Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities, Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured as he addressed concerns arising from the recent notification of rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Regulatory Authority (APFRA). His statement came amid public debate and misinterpretations circulating across districts. Moreover, Khandu emphasised that the rules do not target any religion or cultural group and are meant to safeguard the shared interests of all residents.
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Arunachal APFRA Rules Protect Communities, Says Khandu
The Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities across all districts, Khandu stressed during his clarification. He said that the rules were formulated after multiple rounds of consultations with stakeholders, including local bodies, legal experts, and community organisations. According to him, the objective is to establish a structured framework for land and forest protection without disturbing cultural harmony.
The Chief Minister stated that the rules apply uniformly and do not mention or target any religious group. He added that misinformation had created unnecessary fear. Therefore, the government chose to issue a clear statement to prevent further confusion. He assured that the rights of indigenous communities remain central to the state’s approach.
Khandu also reiterated that the rules follow constitutional guidelines and align with national forest conservation policies. He explained that the intention is to strengthen environmental governance while ensuring that community rights remain intact.
Protecting Cultural Identity and Land Rights
During his address, Khandu highlighted that the Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities by safeguarding cultural identity, traditional land use, and customary governance systems. He said that Arunachal Pradesh has always acknowledged the role of tribal customs in local administration. Therefore, the rules were carefully drafted to ensure that no cultural practice is weakened.
He pointed out that forests form an integral part of community life in the state. Many rituals, festivals, and social practices rely on forest resources. For this reason, the government ensured that the rules respect customary land ownership where applicable. Additionally, the rules do not interfere with traditional village councils.
Khandu further noted that the government values inclusive development. He said that protecting community land and preventing unauthorised exploitation remain top priorities. According to him, APFRA rules aim to prevent illegal encroachment, commercial misuse, and unregulated activities that may damage the environment.
Misinterpretation and Misinformation Addressed
A considerable part of the Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities message focused on countering misinformation. Khandu acknowledged that viral posts, unverified statements, and rumours had created unnecessary tension. He stressed that people must rely on official sources for accurate information.
The Chief Minister explained that the rules only establish a regulatory framework. They do not introduce any new enforcement action against specific groups. He added that authorities remain open to clarifying concerns and conducting awareness sessions across districts.
Several community leaders also echoed the Chief Minister’s remarks. They noted that rumours can disrupt social harmony and create mistrust between groups. Therefore, they encouraged residents to maintain calm and engage in constructive dialogue.
APFRA Rules Part of Larger Environmental Vision
Khandu explained that the Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities while supporting the state’s long-term environmental vision. Arunachal Pradesh, he said, remains one of India’s most ecologically rich states. Protecting its forests is essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihood of rural households.
He highlighted that rising environmental pressures require better management systems. Illegal logging, unregulated land use, and rapid development often strain natural resources. APFRA rules aim to address these concerns by ensuring systematic monitoring and well-defined regulatory steps.
The Chief Minister assured that environmental protection will always move hand-in-hand with community welfare. He said that sustainable development cannot succeed without respecting traditional practices and local rights.
Arunachal APFRA Rules Protect Communities Through Transparency
The Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities through transparent procedures, Khandu said during his address. He explained that all decisions under the framework will follow clear guidelines, documentation, and community consultation. Moreover, local authorities will involve village bodies before implementing major steps.
He added that the government will soon conduct district-level workshops to help residents understand the rules better. These programmes will include explanations on forest access, traditional rights, and community responsibilities.
Officials stressed that the APFRA process will remain open to feedback. They also encouraged citizens to share suggestions that may improve the regulatory structure.
Khandu Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Unity
As he concluded, Khandu said that the Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities and aim to strengthen unity across the state. He assured residents that the government remains committed to promoting peace and respecting cultural diversity. He appealed to citizens to trust the process and continue participating in discussions about sustainable development.
The Arunachal APFRA rules protect communities through clarity, fairness, and respect for tradition. With the Chief Minister’s assurance, the government hopes to ease public concerns and move forward with a balanced approach that prioritises both heritage and environmental stewardship.
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