In a significant development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on March 21 that the Assam Cabinet has decided to grant Permanent Residence Certification (PRC) to the Moran community living in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh. This decision, while celebrated by many members of the Moran community, has sparked a heated debate, with opinions split across the state. Some see it as a much-needed step towards securing the rights of the Moran community, while others have raised concerns about the implications for Arunachal’s sovereignty and identity.
Assam's PRC Announcement for the Moran Community
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that the Assam government would issue PRC to the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh due to their ongoing deprivation of rights. He assured that while the issue of granting PRC to the Moran community by the Arunachal government is still under discussion, the Assam government would step in to provide the necessary certification for the time being. This move would allow the community members to access government services, including applying for government jobs, in Assam.
Sarma also mentioned that he had been in communication with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the issue, signaling a collaborative approach to resolving the matter.
Reactions to the Decision: Moran Community Welcomes, AAPSU Opposes
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions. The Moran community, particularly in areas like Namsai, has expressed strong support for the move. Manoj Kumar Moran, the adviser of the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU) Arunachal unit, praised the decision, calling it a "historic" step for the community. He emphasized that while the temporary PRC from Assam is welcomed, the ultimate goal is for the Arunachal government to grant them the permanent residence certification (PRC) within the state. The community has been fighting for their rights to PRC for several years, and this decision is seen as a step forward in addressing their concerns.
“We are happy, but this is a temporary solution. The permanent solution will be when we get the PRC from the Arunachal government. We will continue to seek PRC in the coming days,” said Manoj Kumar Moran.
In fact, the AMSU Arunachal unit even held a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Sarma to express their gratitude for the decision.
AAPSU’s Concerns: Legal and Identity Implications
On the other hand, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), which has been a vocal opponent of granting PRC to the Moran community, has raised concerns about the legal and social consequences of Assam’s intervention. AAPSU President Dozi Tana Tara stated that the union is currently reviewing the legality of the Assam government's decision. While the AAPSU does not oppose the Moran community’s demand for PRC, they fear that availing the Assam PRC may result in the Moran community forgoing certain privileges and facilities provided by the Arunachal government.
Tara added, “We will meet with the Chief Minister of Arunachal to discuss this. But what we understand is that if they avail PRC from Assam, they will have to forgo the facilities that they are availing from the government of Arunachal.”
The History of Moran Community’s PRC Demand
The demand for PRC from the Moran community in Arunachal has been a long-standing issue, especially in districts like Namsai. Over the years, various protests have taken place, including a boycott of the Statehood Day celebrations in February 2025, and a national highway blockade near Dirak Gate. These protests highlighted the frustration of the Moran community over their continued exclusion from certain government benefits and employment opportunities. In November 2023, the AMSU Arunachal unit led a 12-hour bandh in Lekang, demanding the granting of PRC.
These ongoing protests have drawn attention to the Moran community’s need for recognition and legal rights within Arunachal Pradesh.
Looking Forward: A Potential for Dialogue and Resolution
The decision to grant PRC to the Moran community by Assam has brought the issue to the forefront of political discussions in the region. While the community celebrates the temporary relief, the future of this matter largely depends on the dialogue between the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments. Both states will need to find a solution that balances the interests of the Moran community with the concerns of other groups within Arunachal.
The role of the Arunachal government in addressing the Moran community’s PRC demand remains crucial. There is hope that this development will pave the way for a more inclusive resolution, one that recognizes the rights of the Moran community while preserving the cultural and political integrity of Arunachal Pradesh.
Conclusion
The Assam government’s decision to grant PRC to the Moran community in Arunachal Pradesh has stirred a debate that reflects the complexities of regional politics and identity. While the Moran community welcomes this as a temporary relief, the larger question of their permanent residence certification remains unresolved. As both the Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments engage in discussions, it is important that the rights of the Moran community are protected while ensuring that the sovereignty and interests of Arunachal Pradesh are also respected. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing state rights, community demands, and political negotiations in the northeast region of India.
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