The Chakma Students Union (CSU) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to waive the requirement of residential proof for defence job aspirants from their community. They said many eligible Chakma and Hajong youth in Arunachal Pradesh cannot apply for defence and paramilitary posts due to the absence of Permanent Residential Certificates (PRC).
Although these young people are born and raised in the state, local authorities continue to deny them PRCs. This situation blocks their chances of serving in the Indian Army or other national forces.
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CSU highlights injustice in recruitment process
In a letter to Amit Shah, the union expressed concern that Chakma youth face unfair treatment during recruitment drives. They cited recent disqualifications of candidates in Army and paramilitary selections solely for lacking PRCs. Other tribal communities in Arunachal receive PRCs, but Chakmas remain excluded.
CSU President Monindra Chakma said, “Even though many of us are Indian citizens, we still can’t access the same opportunities.”
He emphasized that this issue has been ongoing for years. Chakmas, despite being born in India, are treated like outsiders by the state government.
Citizenship but no documentation
The Chakmas and Hajongs settled in Arunachal Pradesh during the 1960s after fleeing persecution in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Indian government rehabilitated them in the region. Many now have Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and have studied in state-run schools.
However, they are still denied PRCs and Scheduled Tribe certificates. This exclusion affects their access to jobs, education benefits, and government schemes.
The Supreme Court in 2015 recognized Chakmas as Indian citizens. Despite that, the state has not taken steps to ensure their rights on the ground.
CSU questions Centre’s inaction
CSU leaders questioned why the central government has not implemented the court’s ruling properly. “If we are citizens, why are we blocked from national service?” asked spokesperson Suman Chakma.
He said the defence forces attract many Chakma youth. Their dream of serving the country gets shattered only because of a missing certificate.
“We want to contribute to the nation. But the system continues to shut us out,” he added.
Students ask for policy intervention
The CSU requested the Home Ministry to issue a special waiver for defence job applicants from the Chakma and Hajong communities. They suggested that students who studied in Arunachal or lived there long-term should be eligible to apply, even without a PRC.
They clarified that this appeal does not seek blanket PRC rights. It only aims to allow eligible youth to apply for defence jobs and show their patriotism.
“We are not asking for any privilege. We are asking for equal ground,” said Monindra Chakma.
Rights groups support the demand
Several civil society groups and educationists backed the CSU’s appeal. The North East Human Rights Forum called the request fair and necessary. They said the government should not punish students for bureaucratic delays.
Human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam noted, “When young people want to serve the nation, the government must support them.”
School principals in Chakma-majority areas have echoed the same view. One principal in Changlang district said, “These students are hardworking and sincere. Denying them a chance is disheartening.”
Youth express growing frustration
The repeated denial of jobs and benefits is frustrating the Chakma youth. Many now feel hopeless about their future in the state. In districts like Papum Pare and Changlang, school dropout rates have increased among Chakma students.
They fear that long-term exclusion may lead to deeper social unrest.
CSU warns of peaceful protests
If the central government fails to act, CSU plans to launch peaceful protests. They will also approach the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
“We believe in democratic means,” said a CSU member. “But we won’t stay silent forever.”
The students hope Amit Shah and the Home Ministry will listen to their plea. They believe a timely waiver can give their youth a fair shot at serving the nation.
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