Dismay over refugee issue, The Hindustan Times, 22 April 2004

Dismay over refugee issue

Press Trust of India, PTI
Itanagar, January 01, 0001

First Published: 20:36 IST(22/4/2004)
Last Updated: 20:36 IST(22/4/2004)

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The core committee on Chakma-Hajong refugee issue on Thursday expressed dismay over 'betrayal' of political parties of Arunachal Pradesh by participating in the election defying an all-party resolution that they would refrain from contesting the election till a solution to the vexed refugee

problem was reached.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the committee, its convener Domin Loya told newsmen the new generation would not forgive the political leaders for their betrayal to the indigenous people of the state.

Loya warned the Chakma-Hajong refugees though 1497 refugees succeeded in getting their names enrolled ''illegally'' they would not be allowed to live in the state permanently.

Asserting their deportation, he said, ''We will not allow the sacrifices of students who lost their lives and career during the 40-year long movement to go in vain''.

Loya announced the meeting has decided to suspend its activities till the Lok Sabha poll was over. While the student leaders attended the meeting, representative of political parties kept away except the one general secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee.

The meeting did not accept the resignation of BJP Chief Minister Gegong Apang from the Chairmanship of the Committee and asked him to specify reason for his resignation.