Itanagar, Dec 9: A 12-hour shutdown has been called by three youth organisations demanding removal of the Jama Masjid at Nigam Colony, Naharlagun, and the deportation of individuals they allege are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The bandh, enforced from 5 am to 5 pm, prompted massive security deployment and a strict warning from the police declaring the shutdown “illegal and unlawful.”
The bandh was jointly called by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA) and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO). The groups are pressing three main demands:
Removal of the Capital Jama Masjid and associated structures at Naharlagun,
A total ban on weekly markets in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), and
Identification and deportation of individuals they claim are illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
With the bandh call raising security concerns, Arunachal Pradesh Police deployed additional forces across Itanagar and Naharlagun. IGP (Law & Order) Chukhu Apa said the police would not tolerate any attempt to enforce the shutdown through coercion or violence.
“Adequate security arrangements have been put in place. Strict action will be taken against anyone taking the law into their own hands,” he told reporters, urging agitators to follow democratic channels for raising grievances.
The district administration earlier declared the bandh illegal, stressing that no group has the authority to hinder public movement or essential services.
APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the groups have been raising these issues since October 6, but the state government has not responded. He said a meeting the government promised for December 5 did not take place, leaving them with “no option” but to go ahead with the bandh after postponing an earlier one planned for November 25 due to festivals and sports events.
The organisations claimed they submitted representations to several government offices, including the Chief Minister’s Office, but received no response. They described the bandh as a “public and indigenous call”, seeking support from transport unions, business communities, and local reresidents.
The groups have alleged that the Jama Masjid and panja khana at Nigam Colony were constructed illegally and have demanded immediate removal. They also called for a crackdown on unauthorised settlements, alleging the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the capital region.
Additionally, they demanded the closure of daily and weekly markets, claiming these areas have become centres of encroachment and illegal immigrants.
Several civil society groups urged the youth organisations to reconsider the bandh, citing ongoing election-related activities and potential inconvenience to the public.
The organisations, however, maintained that the government must take responsibility if any untoward incident occurs, asserting that they have “waited long enough” for action.
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