A tense situation unfolded across the Itanagar Capital Region on Monday as three influential youth organisations enforced a 12-hour shutdown, demanding the demolition of an alleged illegal mosque in Naharlagun and the deportation of individuals they describe as illegal migrants.
The bandh was declared “illegal and unlawful” by the district administration, yet the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) and All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO) pushed ahead with the agitation. They also called for a complete halt to weekly markets across the Capital Region.
Security measures were heightened, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa addressing the media from Police Headquarters. He warned that any attempt to disturb peace would invite strict legal action, stressing that “elaborate security arrangements” had been deployed to maintain order. Protestors were urged not to disrupt public life.
Several civil society bodies and community-based organisations appealed to the youth groups to reconsider the shutdown, noting the inconvenience to residents—especially during the ongoing election period.
The bandh was originally planned for November 25 but had been postponed after the state government expressed willingness for dialogue. A follow-up meeting scheduled for December 5 with the Home Minister, however, could not take place due to election-related commitments, prompting the groups to move ahead with the December 9 protest.
APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak stated that the bandh would not be delayed again and urged commercial establishments and the public to support their call. He added that the state government would be held accountable for any untoward incident arising during the shutdown.