Arunachal to settle homeless Puroik people in Doimukh Circle

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to settle homeless Puroik community members at Tomru Village under Doimukh circle, about 25 kms from here.

Also known as Sullungs, the members of the community were considered bonded labourers in the state earlier but were freed from their plight by a court order in 2002.

The proposed 5-hectare settlement area under Doimukh Circle wore a new look today with the community members, particularly youth, clearing thick jungles on their own.

The area has been allotted by the state land management department in response to a memorandum submitted by the Puroik Welfare Board to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on May 21 for their settlement.

A large number of the community members have no houses anywhere in the state.

The community has a population of about 14,000, spread across an estimated 53 villages in Lower and Upper Subansiri, Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey and East Kameng districts and along upper reaches of Pare River.

Former Governor P B Acharya, during his visit to Puroik Colony at Papu Nallah in March last year, was appalled by their inhuman living condition and had facilitated the formation of the Puroik Welfare Board for their emancipation.

The state government had allocated Rs 10 crore in 2018-19 budget for self-employment activities to ensure their socio-economic development.

The state lawmakers, irrespective of party affiliation, had raised their voices for social equality, justice, job opportunity and rehabilitation and resettlement measures for Puroiks in March 2011, while responding to a private member resolution moved by Chayang Tajo, MLA Karya Bagang, which prompted the then Dorjee Khandu government to constitute a high power committee to prepare a report on socio-economic status of the community.