Implementing the order of SC would be infringing the rights of Chakma-Hajongs: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi [India], Sept 19 (ANI): Days after saying that the Centre would honour the 2015 Supreme Court (SC) Order on granting citizenship to Chakma-Hajongs, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday that the SC's order would infringe their rights.

In an apparent U-turn, Rijiju said, "The issue of Chakma -Hajom is such that, while respecting the SC's order, it has to be seen that the Constitutional rights of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are not harmed."

He added, "Granting of citizenships to Chakmas & Hajoms as Arunachalees will be infringing the Constitutional rights of tribal people."

Rijiju also said that Government would appeal in the Supreme Court against its earlier 2015 directions to grant citizenship to them.

Rijiju also said that the Constitutional rights of indigenous people or any other citizen needs to be taken into consideration.

Comparing it to the current Rohingya issue, Rijiju said that the two persecuted communities were settled in Arunachal Pradesh by the then-Congress government during 1964-1969.

He also said that Rohingyas concern national security.

Arunachal Pradesh shut down on Tuesday to protest the Centre's move to grant citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees settled in the state

The Centre decided to grant 'limited citizenship' to the Chakmas and Hajongs a few days ago. This, according to Rijiju, means the two communities will not get land rights or be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh so that the rights of the indigenous people are not diluted. (ANI)