Such cases of violence among students in educational institutions is not a new phenomenon in this tribal state of Arunachal Pradesh, where the institutions of higher learning are also the melting pot for the young ones belonging to various tribal groups of the state. Thus, the unfortunate incidents of 7 th April at Basar, and consequent ones of 8 th April in Itanagar and of 9 th April in Nirjuli are not unprecedented. In the state, Nyishis and Galos are two major tribes, with much sense of responsibilities, one being the largest ethnic group and the other being one of the forerunners among the developing society.

Therefore: Realizing the onus that lies on the shoulders of the leaders, elites, educated youths of our two communities to show the path of peace and progress for the other tribes of Arunachal;

Realizing our moral and bounden duty to lead the younger generations on the right path of fraternity and co-operation among the tribes of this state in the face of a globalised world swamping the indigenous peoples;

Recognizing the fact that such conflicts among the tribes in the state need a model for inter-tribal conflict management and resolution;

Acknowledging the realities that:

(i) External influences and interventions, such as cultural contact and cultural assimilation, deeply undermine the closely held traditional values among the indigenous peoples, jealously guarded by the young;

(ii) The weakening of traditional trust and values leading to inter-tribe distrust and misunderstanding;

(iii) Absence of people owned / people oriented approaches in community based development leading to inter-tribe competitions over resources and benefits;

(iv) Domination, discrimination among the communities, inequality, exploitation, injustice, disunity, hegemony, identity crisis and corruption, which brings disillusionment, frustration and anger leading to the indigenous peoples and communities particularly the youth to be in conflict among themselves and with others; and,

(v) The emerging threats of aggressive development thrusts, plans and projects driven by the neo-liberal economic paradigm and the global financial institutions and arrangements likely to lead to violent confrontations and conflicts.

Therefore, we resolve and agree :

(vi) To condemn the recent violent incidents that took place in the educational institutions in the strongest terms;

(vii) To encourage the younger generation to make friends with youths of other tribes in the state, thereby bridging cultural gaps among the various groups of Arunachal;

(viii) To join our hands together and put the seal of fraternity, friendship, cooperation and understanding for a peaceful, progressive Arunachal society wherein lies our common future;

We, further, declare that:

(i) We have explored together and learnt the root causes of the conflicts leading to the recent incidents in our state and the linkages between the different causes;

(ii) We have acquainted with the tools and methods required to address the conflicts for a just resolution through peaceful ways and means that includes the power of love, friendship and listening to each other, the power of dialogue over debate, the power of sharing experiences, views, positions, feelings, culture and creativity in an inclusive manner that welcomes the constructive role of women and young persons of our peoples and communities;

(iii). We have also learnt to trust each other, to put ourselves in each others shoes and empathize with each other’s situations and problems in order to act in unity, mutual trust and respect;

(iv). We can change situations that lead to conflict by helping one another through dialogue among all parties and entities that are affected by or involved in the conflicts; ensuring quick responses to violent or disturbed situations / events and appeals by affected communities, groups or individuals; initiating and organizing motivations, sensitization and documentation, visits to each other’s habitats; and promoting unity and positive role of the media;

(v) We also need further efforts towards strengthening and improving our skills in conflict resolution and peace building, particularly the skills of listening, dialogue, cooperation and coordination, development of new ideas, networking amongst ourselves and helping one another to build our capacities – which will be followed up among the young and the old;

(vi) We recognize and affirm that our traditional and customary peace building and reconciliation practices and the initiatives of our elders and women in resolving conflicts play a vital role towards just and enduring peace in the society – and this must be emphasized in the state;

(vii) We need the active help of the state and central governments, the international community and United Nations and its various organs for evolving suitable mechanisms to strengthen, facilitate and further consolidate our conflict resolution initiatives and action;

(viii) We shall act unitedly with respect for one another so that our resolve will be turned into practical plans and actions to bring

about lasting peace and harmony among the indigenous communities of the state.

Heretofore, we put our signatures to adopt this declaration, hereafter, to be known as the BASAR DECLARATION ON INTER-TRIBAL YOUTH VIOLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

 1. Shri Bamang Anthony, Chairperson, Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR) Singed

2. Shri Tawa Tebin Tara, General Secretay, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) Signed

3. Shri Thanga Bage, General Secretay, Galo Wlefare Society (GWS) signed

4. Shri Kanu Bagang, President, All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) Signed

5. Shri Likha Taji, President, All Nyishi students Union (ANSU) signed

6 Shri Tomo Basar, General Secretay, Galo students Union (GSU) signed.