Itanagar, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, emphasized on Wednesday the urgent need for a structured, time-sensitive, and consultative method to tackle the longstanding issues faced by the Vijaynagar settlers. He referred to them as the “sentinels of Vijaynagar”, highlighting their role in protecting one of the state’s most isolated frontiers for generations.

During the screening of the documentary “The Untold Story of Vijaynagar”, produced by Papai Nalo Films, at the Banquet Hall in Niti Vihar, Khandu shared the platform with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Ministers, MLAs, and other notable figures.

He commended filmmaker Papai Nalo and his team for creating a documentary that sheds light on the historical context, sacrifices, and unresolved grievances of settlers who were relocated to Vijaynagar during the 1960s.

“This film serves not just as documentation — it is a voice for the voiceless,” he stated, acknowledging the nearly two years of extensive field research that went into its production.

Reflecting on his visits to Vijaynagar, the Chief Minister stated that the region was familiar to him, having traveled there both by helicopter and later by road under incredibly challenging circumstances. “The lack of connectivity and basic amenities was evident. Without roads and access, development remains incomplete,” he remarked.

Khandu openly admitted that both the Union government and previous state administrations have not sufficiently addressed the genuine concerns of the settlers, many of whom were former Assam Rifles personnel who settled in the region with promises that were never fully fulfilled.

He pointed out issues such as premature retirement, denial of retirement benefits, lack of land security, and the ongoing identity crisis faced by subsequent generations despite their educational achievements.

Mentioning recent legal advancements, he noted a 2025 High Court ruling that mandates the state government to resolve land-related issues concerning the settlers.

The Chief Minister informed that the Land Department and Changlang district's Deputy Commissioner, Vishal Sah, are already working towards this goal and assured that state Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta would be instructed to expedite the process.

Khandu highlighted the unique tribal and constitutional dynamics of Arunachal Pradesh, advocating for a “middle path” reached through thorough consultations with local tribes, community-based organizations (CBOs), apex tribal bodies, and all stakeholders, including the Gorkha community and the Yobin tribe.

“This is our problem, and we must resolve it ourselves. Arunachal Pradesh’s issues cannot be solved from outside the state,” he urged, calling on legislators and the public to approach the issue with maturity, research, and sensitivity rather than speculation or superficial commentary.

Drawing comparisons to the state's progress in addressing other longstanding matters such as the Assam–Arunachal boundary dispute and the Chakma–Hajong issue, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that the grievances of the Vijaynagar settlers would also be resolved through structured dialogue and cooperation between the state and the Central governments.

Khandu noted that with the documentary now available to the public via social media and digital platforms, the genuine story of Vijaynagar would gain a national and global audience, renewing focus on the urgent need for justice and resolution.

He reiterated that “The Untold Story of Vijaynagar” will play a pivotal role in disseminating factual information and supporting the state government's initiatives to achieve a lasting and compassionate solution.