CM Pema Khandu Calls for Time-Bound, Consultative Solution to Vijaynagar Settlers’ Long-Pending Issues

Itanagar:  Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for a serious, time-bound and consultative approach to resolve the decades-old issues faced by the Vijaynagar settlers, describing them as the “sentinels of Vijaynagar” who have protected one of the state’s most remote frontiers for generations.
Khandu made the remarks during the screening of the documentary film “The Untold Story of Vijaynagar”, produced by Papai Nalo Films, at the Banquet Hall in Niti Vihar, Itanagar. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, ministers, MLAs, and other distinguished guests.
Commending filmmaker Papai Nalo and his team, the Chief Minister said the documentary powerfully highlights the historical background, sacrifices, and unresolved grievances of the settlers who were relocated to Vijaynagar in the 1960s.

“This film is not just documentation — it is a voice for the voiceless,” Khandu said, noting that nearly two years of field research went into the making of the film.

Recalling his own visits to Vijaynagar, Khandu said he had travelled to the remote area both by helicopter and later by road under extremely challenging conditions.

“The lack of connectivity and basic amenities was evident. Without roads and access, development remains incomplete,” he observed.

The Chief Minister candidly acknowledged that both the Government of India and successive state governments had failed to adequately address the genuine concerns of the settlers. Many of them were former Assam Rifles personnel who had been encouraged to settle in the region with assurances that were never fully honoured.
He referred to issues such as premature retirement, denial of retirement benefits, lack of land security, and the identity crisis faced by later generations despite educational progress.
Referring to recent legal developments, Khandu cited a 2025 High Court judgment directing the state government to resolve land-related issues of the settlers. He informed that the Land Department and the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang district are already working in this direction and assured that the Chief Secretary would be instructed to expedite the process.
Emphasising Arunachal Pradesh’s unique tribal and constitutional dynamics, the Chief Minister stressed the need to find a “middle path” through extensive consultations with local tribes, community-based organisations (CBOs), apex tribal bodies, and all stakeholders, including the Gorkha community and the Yobin tribe of the region.

“This is our problem, and we must resolve it ourselves. Arunachal’s issues cannot be solved from outside the state,” he said, urging legislators and the public to approach the matter with maturity, research, and sensitivity rather than speculation.

Drawing parallels with the state’s success in resolving other long-standing issues, such as the Assam-Arunachal boundary dispute and the Chakma-Hajong matter, Khandu expressed confidence that the grievances of the Vijaynagar settlers would also be addressed through structured dialogue and cooperation between the state and central governments.
He added that with the documentary now being shared through social media and digital platforms, the true story of Vijaynagar would reach a national and global audience, renewing focus on the need for justice and resolution.
Khandu reiterated that “The Untold Story of Vijaynagar” would play a crucial role in disseminating factual information and supporting the government’s efforts to arrive at a lasting and humane solution.