Assam issues PRCs to 118 Moran families living in Arunachal

Dibrugarh: Assam water resources minister Pijush Hazarika on Friday formally distributed Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) of Assam to 118 Moran community families residing in Arunachal Pradesh at a programme held at Borholong, Digboi in Tinsukia district.The decision, taken by the state cabinet under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership earlier, aims to resolve the longstanding identity crisis faced by indigenous Moran families from Assam who have been living in Arunachal Pradesh for generations but don’t possess Permanent Residential Certificates of Arunachal Pradesh.The Moran families, primarily concentrated in Lohit, Namsai, and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, have faced significant challenges due to their classification as “non-APST” (non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe). This designation has rendered them ineligible for various government documents and benefits, despite their ancestry predating the formation of Arunachal Pradesh as a state.“This is a historic moment for the Moran community. These families trace their roots to Assam and belong to our indigenous Moran community, but they have been living in Arunachal Pradesh for generations. Today marks the end of their long wait for recognition and equal rights,” Hazarika said during the distribution ceremony.The affected families have historical connections to an era before Arunachal Pradesh was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which existed until January 1972. Despite their indigenous status and generational presence in the region, the lack of proper documentation had excluded them from accessing benefits available to other Moran people in Assam.“The Moran people living in Arunachal Pradesh will get the same rights as those living in Assam. From medical seats, jobs, and in all areas they will get equal rights in Assam. This system will ensure that the Moran people, wherever they are, will be able to contribute to the progress of Assam,” Hazarika added.With the newly issued PRCs, these 118 families can now avail themselves of the same benefits enjoyed by Moran community members in Assam, including access to government jobs, educational opportunities, economic benefits, and other state facilities. The certificates will particularly benefit younger generations seeking educational opportunities and employment in Assam.Digboi MLA Suren Phukan, who was instrumental in bringing the issue to the state govt’s attention, expressed his satisfaction with the development. “As a son of the Moran community, I am extremely happy to be part of the solution to this long-standing demand,” Phukan said.Sadiya MLA Bolin Chetia and Tinsukia district commissioner Swapneel Paul were also present at Friday’s ceremony, along with leaders from various Moran community organizations including the All Moran Students’ Union, Assam Moran Sabha, and Moran Autonomous Council representatives.The distribution of PRCs represents a significant administrative achievement in addressing the complex identity issues faced by indigenous communities living across state boundaries in Northeast India, particularly in border areas that have undergone administrative reorganisation over the decades.