The demand for permanent residential certificates by non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes, including the Morans, has been a long-standing issue in the internal governance of AP. An enquiry into these developments must look at both sides of the debate, the apprehensions of the APSTs and the assertions of the non-APSTs. 

The Assam cabinet, on 20 March 2025, extended support to the Moran community of Arunachal Pradesh (AP) and resolved to grant them permanent residential certificates (PRCs) until their demand was met by the Government of AP. The decision of the Assam cabinet is crucial for the Assam legislative assembly elections in 2026. Morans are one of the six communities demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Assam. The Moran community is indigenous to the land of Assam; however, a substantial population of the community also inhabits Lohit, Namsai, and Changlang districts of AP and are not granted PRCs. The denial of PRC to the Morans residing in AP bars the community from availing state government facilities, including state government jobs, access to educational insti­tutions, state scholarships, and other schemes.

To continue reading, become a subscriber.

Explore our attractive subscription offers.

To gain instant access to this article (download).

(Readers outside India)

© EPW