New Delhi, Oct 22: Chakma tribals from Arunachal Pradesh today urged the centre to directly approve their citizenship applications charging the state government with denying their rights by "unduly delaying" the process, even as Chief Minister Gegong Apang sought a financial package for the state's development. A delegation of Chakma tribals led by former governor Swaraj Kaushal as well as the Chief Minister raised their demands as they met Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani here separately.
After a 20-minute meeting with Advani, Apang did not elaborate on the financial package but said the government would consider the demand sympathetically. He said he had invited Advani to visit Arunachal Pradesh next month.
The Chakma delegation said they informed Advani that over 4,500 applications for citizenship were filed in 1997 and were forwarded by the Union Home Ministry to the state government.
"Till now, only six applications have been approved and citizenship granted. Under the citizenship rules, 1998, state governments cannot keep citizenship applications pending beyond six months without citing any reason", Kaushal said.
He said the Deputy Prime Minister promised to look into the issue sympathetically. "We are more than satisfied with the hearing given by Advani and hope for a positive outcome".
Bureau Report