Arunachal Pradesh:  Migration

Migration in Arunachal Pradesh can be divided in two categories

1. Migration within the state and
2. Migration outside the state.

1. Migration within the state:

It is mainly concerned with migration of people from rural to urban in search of better opportunity. Migration within the state has increased significantly over some decades. This is due to the development of urban centers and ecotourism and refreshing activities in the state.

1. Migration outside the state:

The major issue we usually heard from migration related perspective is the Migration of Chakma tribe from Bangladesh to nearby states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Chakmas are now settled in Namsai, Papumpare and Changlang districts while Hajongs are settled only in Changlang district of the state.

The total population of Chakmas in India according to the 2011 census was 2,26,860 persons, with 96,972 persons in Mizoram, 79,813 in Tripura, 2,032 in Assam, 466 in West Bengal, 106 in Meghalaya and 47,471 in Arunachal Pradesh.

Although Chakma do not schedule tribe status in Arunachal Pradesh then also they come and settle in Arunachal Pradesh. This is because increasing tea industry and infrastructure projects. The Chakmas/Hajongshave been seen as a threat simply because they migrated in a group even if other general populations already constitute a far more serious threat, if any, to indigenous population of the state. The Chakmas/Hajongs shared excellent relations with the neighbours.

Chakmas are recognised as Scheduled Tribes in Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

The report said the population of Chakmas and Hajongs was 14,888 during 1964-69 which has increased to 47,471 till 2011, which means a 218 per cent increase in 47 years. In comparison, the population of other non-tribal communities such as Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris and Biharis has increased in the state by 955 per cent during the same period.

2/3^rd people of Arunachal Pradesh are the people who are living here from centuries. Rest 1/3^rdpopulation are the outsider.

This clearly shows the migration is prominentin Arunachal Pradesh.

Disadvantages of Migration in Arunachal Pradesh:

1. There is a danger on local tradition and culture
2. Lack of harmony and violence

Advantage of Migration in Arunachal Pradesh:

1. Availability of cheap labor
2. Mutual Understanding