Guwahati, Mar 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged upon the leaders of the state’s apex students body, the Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), to retrospect and bring in reforms to cleanse its election process from ‘corruption’.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Inter-Tribe Festival – 2025, organized by AAPSU at Itanagar, the Chief Minister termed ‘corruption’ as one of the major hurdles in the functioning of a government as well as any organization.

“You may be aware that we have upgraded the erstwhile Special Investigation Cell (SIC) to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), giving it more teeth to deal with corruption in the state government. But you must also know that corruption is not confined to government and its employees,” he said.

Khandu pointed out that in line with the state government’s commitment to check corruption through reforms like the establishment of the State Selection Board and the overhauling of the State Public Service Commission, AAPSU needs to bring in reforms to check the ‘money-factor’ in its election process.

“It is an open secret that huge amounts of money exchange hands during elections of student organizations. AAPSU must take a lead by example to check this corrupt practice for a better future of the youths,” he said.

The Chief Minister also called for introspection by AAPSU leaders on their future beyond AAPSU.

“Yes, many AAPSU leaders of the past made it into politics and became ministers and MLAs. But have any student leaders made it into civil services both at the central and state levels?” he questioned.

Khandu opined that active student leaders should also concentrate on studies and set examples by clearing examinations conducted by UPSC as well as APPSC, which would, he said, will inspire thousands of youths, who are also active in student organizations.

Paying rich tributes to all former AAPSU leaders, especially the founding president and secretary, he revealed that AAPSU was formed in 1972 with a sole objective to resolve the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue.

“AAPSU has been fighting against the permanent residency of Chakmas and Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh since its inception 53 years ago. But where are we today? Is the issue resolved?” Khandu questioned.

He asserted that the present state government and the central government are in a position to resolve the refugee issue for good. While maintaining that granting permanent residency in the state to the refugees is out of question, he informed that the state government is earnestly pursuing it with the central Home Ministry.

“We are hopeful of a permanent solution sooner than later,” he added.

Hailing Arunachal’s unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence of the tribes, Khandu urged the educated youths to aware the uneducated and the society at large, when ‘rumors’ or ‘misinterpretations’ are fanned by vested few.

Reiterating that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978 is not in favour or against any particular religion, he urged the youths to take upon themselves to clear the air on APFRA.

“We are a secular country. A Buddhist can become a Hindu if he or she wants to. Any Hindu can become an Indigenous Faith believer. Likewise, any Indigenous Faith believer can become a Christian or Hindu. It’s a personal choice, and this Act is not going to take away this freedom,” he said.

Khandu said that the Rules of the APFRA have to be framed because it’s an order from the High Court. However, the Rules will be framed only after consultation with each of the religious communities residing and practicing in Arunachal Pradesh, he added.

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