Indigenous Communities Demand Legal Recognition of Land Rights to Safeguard Identity and Survival

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AspNet Nagar, Arunachal Pradesh, March 28: The All Puroik Welfare Society (APWS) has urged the state government to take legal action against individuals or groups that are illegally claiming Puroik lands, citing a violation of the Bonded Labour Abolition Act, 1976. According to the society, many Puroik families, who were previously subjected to bonded labor, continue to struggle with land disputes despite being legally free.

In a representation to the chief secretary, the APWS appealed to the government to ensure the restoration and protection of land rights of the Puroik people, including the issuance of legal land titles in their favor and the protection of Puroik settlement village land. The society pointed out that Puroik, one of the oldest dwellers in the state, has their own land and properties in their respective villages. However, ongoing disputes over land ownership are depriving them of their rightful access to land, thereby impeding their social and economic development.

Section 19 of the Act clearly stipulates punishment for omission or failure to restore possession of property to bonded laborers, the APWS noted, emphasizing that the denial of land ownership and continued claims by erstwhile masters contradict the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India and the objectives of the Bonded Labour Abolition Act.

The society urged the chief secretary to direct administrations of Puroik-inhabited districts like East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Bichom, Pakke-Kessang, West Kameng, and Papum Pare to identify and resolve such cases, ensuring that no freed bonded-labourer faces land disputes from former masters or their relatives. The APWS also appealed to the chief secretary to take appropriate action to uphold the rights and dignity of the Puroik people and ensure effective implementation of the Bonded Labour Abolition Act in Arunachal Pradesh.

Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/03/29/puroiks-urge-govt-to-protect-their-land-rights/
Category : State News
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Publish Date: 2025-03-29 01:56:00