📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / MOHAMMAD SHAJAHAN Bangladesh
Politics
Chakma community petitions NHRC after Arunachal voters barred from hearing
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 05 Sep 2026, 07:12 AM
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The Chakma community in Arunachal Pradesh has approached the National Human Rights Commission, claiming that voters were denied entry to a hearing on the SIR dispute.
The Chakma community of Arunachal Pradesh has filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging that its members were prevented from attending a scheduled hearing on the ongoing SIR controversy. The hearing, intended to address the status of the Chakma people in the state's tribal register, was reportedly blocked by local authorities, leaving several voters unable to present their views.
According to the petition, the denial of access violated the community's right to a fair hearing and infringed upon constitutional guarantees of equality. The Chakma group contended that the obstruction was aimed at influencing the outcome of the SIR deliberations, which revolve around their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list.
The NHRC has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and has asked the state government for a detailed response. Officials are expected to examine whether the denial of entry constituted a breach of human‑rights norms and to recommend corrective measures if necessary.
The SIR row has been a flashpoint in Arunachal politics, with various ethnic groups lobbying for or against the Chakma community's tribal status. The outcome of the NHRC's review could have significant implications for the community's future political representation and access to affirmative‑action benefits.
According to the petition, the denial of access violated the community's right to a fair hearing and infringed upon constitutional guarantees of equality. The Chakma group contended that the obstruction was aimed at influencing the outcome of the SIR deliberations, which revolve around their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list.
The NHRC has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and has asked the state government for a detailed response. Officials are expected to examine whether the denial of entry constituted a breach of human‑rights norms and to recommend corrective measures if necessary.
The SIR row has been a flashpoint in Arunachal politics, with various ethnic groups lobbying for or against the Chakma community's tribal status. The outcome of the NHRC's review could have significant implications for the community's future political representation and access to affirmative‑action benefits.