In a decisive move addressing growing public unrest, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has issued a firm directive to district authorities. He has ordered the identification and demolition of all illegal religious structures within the state capital region, Itanagar.
Directive Follows Sustained Indigenous Protests
The Chief Minister's order on Tuesday comes as a direct response to sustained agitation by several indigenous youth organizations. These groups have been protesting against alleged encroachments by illegal immigrants. They claim that unauthorized religious sites have been constructed on tribal land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), which includes Itanagar, Naharlagun, and adjoining areas.
"I have instructed the deputy commissioners to identify and demolish all unauthorised religious structures in the state capital," Khandu explicitly told reporters. The protests, spearheaded by groups like the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation, culminated in a 12-hour bandh in the capital last December.
Strengthening the Inner Line Permit (ILP) Regime
Emphasizing the state's protected status, CM Khandu highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh operates under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873. This system regulates the entry of non-residents to safeguard indigenous communities, their land, and cultural identity.
To combat illegal immigration more effectively, the state government is launching a digitised ILP system. "Earlier, the ILP system could not be properly monitored. We have now migrated to a digital platform. After cabinet approval, new rules will come into force," Khandu announced. The proposed system will require employers hiring labourers from outside Arunachal to inform the government for verification.
Government's Stance and Protesters' Demands
Khandu reiterated the government's commitment to reinforcing ILP enforcement and border controls, assuring that all measures would remain within legal and constitutional frameworks. He also stated that provisions of the BEFR would be strengthened through amendments.
The indigenous organizations have presented a charter of demands that includes:
- Removal of the allegedly illegal 'Capital Jama Masjid' at Naharlagun.
- Action against unauthorized settlements.
- A ban on weekly markets they claim are being run by undocumented settlers.
The Chief Minister's directive and the announcement of a digital ILP system are seen as significant steps to address these core concerns and restore order in the strategically vital frontier state.
