Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves Visits Chakma and Hajong Villages, Pledges Continued Legal Support

All PC: Adv. Atul Chakma

Arunachal Pradesh: In his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, speaking about the long-standing legal battle concerning Chakma & Hajong communities living in Arunachal Pradesh (earlier NEFA), said the issue of citizenship and legal rights remains unresolved despite earlier judicial directions.

Gonsalves explained that the government had argued before the Supreme Court of India that certain individuals were residing in refugee camps and therefore could not automatically be granted citizenship. According to him, the argument attempted to portray refugee camps as either permanent or temporary settlements rather than recognizing the residents’ broader legal rights. 

He noted that a key judgment related to the matter had been delivered in 1996 and was accepted by the government at the time. However, he alleged that implementation of the decision has remained incomplete for years.

During a court hearing, Gonsalves recalled that the presiding judge indicated familiarity with the issue even before detailed arguments began. Despite this, he pressed the case, emphasizing that lawyers have a duty to present arguments fully in order to protect the rights of affected communities.

The senior advocate said the court had issued directions requiring the government to take action within three months, including steps related to granting of citizenship and legal documentation. However, he alleged that progress stalled later, with authorities claiming that certain application forms had gone missing.

Gonsalves further stated that the central government itself had earlier acknowledged allowing Chakma and Hajong to settle in parts of NEFA, now Arunachal Pradesh.

He stressed that even if they are refugees and camp residents, they have basic legal rights under court orders and human rights directives, including access to essential services such as ration cards. Referring to earlier interventions by the National Human Rights Commission of India, Gonsalves said authorities must comply with judicial and human rights directives.

During his visit to a Chakma village in Namsai, the senior advocate inspected a government school and the adjoining teachers’ quarters. He expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the accommodation for teachers, stating that the facilities were in an extremely poor state and required urgent attention. He also held discussions with local families and heard firsthand accounts of the difficulties they face in accessing basic services.

Community leaders informed him that despite several rulings by the Gauhati High Court and the Supreme Court, many residents still struggle to obtain basic facilities and documentation. They pointed out that although numerous community members are eligible voters, only a small portion have been included in electoral rolls.

Villagers also highlighted the shortage of teachers in government schools, which often compels parents to arrange private tuition for their children.

Members of the Chakma and Hajong communities shared their experiences spanning more than six decades since their settlement in the region, describing their long struggle for recognition, rights, and access to basic amenities.

Dr. Gonsalves assured the communities that he would continue pursuing pending legal cases and work towards ensuring that the issues are properly addressed through the judicial process.

During the second day of his visit, the senior advocate travelled to more than 15 Chakma and Hajong villages, where he met elders, petitioners, and community leaders. He also delivered a speech explaining the legal dimensions of the Chakma issue and emphasized the importance of constitutional protections for vulnerable communities.

Residents welcomed him warmly and offered traditional Chakma dishes as a sign of respect and hospitality. While several people wished to present him with gifts, this was not possible due to restrictions related to air travel.

Describing the Chakma and Hajong people as resilient communities, Dr. Gonsalves’ visit has raised hopes among residents for progress in their long-pending legal matters and for stronger implementation of constitutional and judicial safeguards.

“I will continue to pursue the matter until justice is delivered,” he said, assuring affected communities that the legal fight for citizenship recognition and basic rights would continue.

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