In an unexpected turn of events, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contradicted Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju's claim during a poll campaign, refuting any agreement regarding the resettlement of Chakma-Hajong refugees in Assam.
During his campaign in the state, Rijiju had asserted that Assam would host the Chakma and Hajong communities, indicating discussions with various agencies and the Assam government.
However, Sarma clarified to the media that the Government of India had not engaged in any such dialogue with Assam concerning the resettlement of the Chakma and Hajong populations.
He mentioned that Rijiju's statement might have pertained to Arunachal Pradesh's political context, emphasising that neither the Indian government nor the Chakma-Hajong representatives had approached Assam on this matter. Sarma assured that he would address the issue with Rijiju post-election.
Earlier, Rijiju, contesting for re-election from the Arunachal West parliamentary constituency, had expressed efforts to relocate the two communities to Assam during his campaign in the state.
"Assam will identify the places where to settle them. I spoke to the Assam CM and Assam government and sought their help. Union home minister Amit Shah also spoke to the Assam government to explore the possibility of resettlement," Rijiju stated.
However, various Assam-based organisations strongly opposed the proposed resettlement of the Chakma-Hajong communities in the state.
Rijiju, addressing the matter on Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by the Chakma-Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is not applicable.
"I know there is pressure on Assam, too, but I have discussed with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and also with Union home minister Amit Shah to find some land by any means in Assam for their re-settlement,” he added.
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