Refugee Local solutions without Durable solutions: The Stateless Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

 The Chakma refugee crisis in Arunachal Pradesh exemplifies a crisis without traditional durable solutions. The rehabilitation programs initiated by the government in 1964 provided land and other assistance for economic self-reliance, which was subsequently achieved.  However, despite court rulings in support of their citizenship, they remained de facto stateless, caused by the denial of citizenship by state governments and student unions. By adopting an analytical and qualitative approach, this article analyses the displacement of the Chakmas from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, their integration into NEFA/Arunachal Pradesh, and the problems encountered by the refugees during their merging with the local population. However, despite the local solution for refugees, it did not result in local integration. This article argues that without legal and political recognition, the local integration of refugees becomes difficult and may result in a protracted refugee crisis. This article proposes that integrated citizenship, the inclusion of refugees, and a rights-based approach should be prioritised to end the refugee crisis.