Unwritten Journeys: Migrants and Cultural Coexistence from Colonial Outpost to Smart City in Pasighat

This article examines the migration patterns in Pasighat, the oldest cityin Arunachal Pradesh. It provides a brief history of migration in the region, addressesthe current situation, and highlights the challenges faced by those settling in thisborder state. The primary sources of migration to Pasighat include Bihar, Nepal, UttarPradesh, Assam, and Punjab. Initially, people moved to this area during the Britishcolonial period, and after India gained independence,many chose to remain. Migrants in Pasighat encounter several challenges, includingdifficulties due to the remote location, access to necessities, and strict governmentpolicies that prevent \immigrants from buying land and obtaining business licenses.Additional issues include limited transportation options, inadequate medical facilities,and a significant cultural gap. Despite these challenges, many migrants opt to stay inPasighat. This situation contributes to a sense of uncertainty about the future, yet thesubstantial population still residing there presents a topic for further research. Thenature and dynamics of migration in Arunachal Pradesh are unique, often involvingmovements from more developed areas to remote locations. Although a significantearthquake occurred in 1953, a trend of reverse migration has not been prominent.However, in recent times, some instances of reverse migration from Pasighat to otherparts of India and abroad have been observed but the inflow of migration cannot stop.