Protests over Chakma applicants in APPSC prelims exam

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has criticized the move of Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for including four Chakma candidates for APPSC (Prelims) examination scheduled for November 26.
The Chakmas have been categorized under the ST and general enrolled list.
Reportedly, there are three Chakma applicants for the preliminary examinations through the general category, two of whom are from Namsai and one from Changlang district.
The fourth candidate has applied through the Scheduled Tribe category from Papum Pare district.
This is a gross violation of rules since Chakmas and Hajongs are not indigenous natives of the state and they are not citizens of the country, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said.

The apex students body of the state also met APPSC chairman Tajom Talohon yesterday for clarification on the issue.

There is a conspiracy in the APPSC and the officers are spies of the Chakma people. We are students and will fight against the Chakma-Hajong issue till death for better future of our children and the people.
AAPSU condemns the mischief and the officers involved should be suspended as per the laid down rules, Bagang said.
No matter if the Chakma-Hajongs are from any state of the country, we will never allow their presence in our state. Since the issue is with the Supreme Court, how can the officers be partial to the four candidates? he asked.

APPSC chairman Tajom Taloh assured that if any mistake was committed by the department, it would be reviewed as early as possible.
When there is mistake the commission can rectify it. ST-certified Chakma from other states like Mizoram cant apply for the APPSC exams in Arunachal as per my knowledge but other STs can apply in general category, he said.
Taloh said that the supporting documents which include ST certificate are sought when the candidate appears for the mains and personality test.
A particular candidate can be rejected in the second and third stage of examination and the act was not intentional, he said.

The AAPSU submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu stating immediate deletion of the Chakma candidates from ensuing APPSC prelim exam list within seven days.
The union also demanded disciplinary action against the erring scrutiny committee officers of APPSC who enlisted the name of the candidates.
Addressing reporters, AAPSU general secretary Tabom Dai said: This is not the first time APPSC has made a mistake. This mistake of enlisting Chakma candidates will be never accepted. We want immediate action against the scrutiny team.