Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the formation of four high-powered committees to address issues related to infiltration, strengthen the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, re-verify Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates, and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities in the state.
The committees have been constituted in line with resolutions adopted during consultative meetings held on May 27 and May 29 under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship. The meetings focused on indigenous tribal rights, APST matters, the ILP framework, and other related concerns.
According to Khandu, the panels include representatives from the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, legal experts, scholars, and government officials to ensure a broad-based and participatory approach.
To address concerns over infiltration and illegal immigration, the government has formed a committee headed by Environment and Forests Minister Wangki Lowang. The panel will assess the extent of infiltration and immigration in the state and recommend measures for stronger border control, biometric and digital verification systems, and action against forged identity documents and undocumented settlement networks. It will also suggest legal and administrative measures to curb illegal immigration and strengthen existing safeguards.
A second committee, led by Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, has been tasked with strengthening the Inner Line Permit regime. The panel will review the current ILP issuance, monitoring and verification system, examine the 2026 ILP guidelines, and recommend reforms, including technology-driven monitoring mechanisms and improved verification processes for tourists, visitors, and workers.
The government has also constituted a committee headed by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona to review the issuance and verification of APST certificates. The panel will recommend a robust verification mechanism, propose amendments to existing guidelines, and suggest advanced security features, biometric verification systems, village-level scrutiny, and district-level verification procedures. It will also recommend action against forged certificates and fraudulent tribal claims.
Another committee, chaired by Law Minister Kento Jini, will examine issues related to non-APST lineage claims and the protection of indigenous rights. The panel will identify loopholes that allow misuse of tribal rights and recommend safeguards concerning tribal identity, inheritance, land protection, lineage verification, and reservation benefits. It will also propose measures to prevent fraudulent claims and recommend legal action against those who illegally acquire tribal rights.
All four committees have been empowered to seek reports and data from government departments and district administrations. They are required to submit their recommendations to the government within six months of their first meetings.
