Namsai: Several Tai Khamti-Singpho organisations have objected to recent remarks by Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASBAC) general secretary Millo Ambo concerning Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
They demanded that Ambo withdraw the remarks and apologise to the community.
Representatives of the Tai Khamti Singpho Council (TKSC), Tai Khamti Development Society (TKDS), All Tai Khamti Singpho Students’ Union (ATKSSU) and District Students’ Union (DSU) raised the issue at a press meet in Namsai on Wednesday.
A community leader at the press meet said Mein was a leader of the community and that his Scheduled Tribe (ST) status was not in question. The leader also asked Ambo to apologise within three days.
The organisations said Mein is a member of the Tai Khamti tribe of Namsai district. They said Ambo’s remarks had hurt the sentiments of the community and affected Mein’s reputation.
The organisations gave Ambo three days to withdraw his remarks and apologise to the Tai Khamti community. They said statements concerning the tribal identity and status of community leaders should be made responsibly.
The reaction followed Ambo’s demand that Mein step down from his responsibilities and be relieved of his duties to allow an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into issues related to the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) re-verification exercise.
Ambo reportedly made the demand in his capacity as an ASBAC member and a member of the High Power Committee on APST Re-Verification.
The Tai Khamti-Singpho organisations rejected the allegations and expressed support for Mein. They said his tribal status was not open to question.
The organisations also appealed to stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility in public statements. They said issues concerning tribal identity and constitutional safeguards should be addressed through appropriate forums and within the framework of law.