The Aryavarth Express
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): The Itanagar Capital Region remained on edge on Tuesday as three youth organisations prepared to enforce a 12-hour bandh on December 9, prompting the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) to deploy extensive security across the area and declare the shutdown illegal.
Addressing the media at the Police Headquarters, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.
“The bandh has been declared illegal. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure normalcy. Any attempt to create law and order issues or obstruct public movement will be dealt with firmly,”
— IGP Chukhu Apa
Authorities have appealed to residents to continue with their daily routines, with the district administration reiterating that the bandh is both “illegal and unlawful.”
Community Groups Urge Withdrawal
Several community-based organisations (CBOs) and civil groups have urged the youth bodies to reconsider the bandh, especially during the ongoing election period, citing potential hardships for the public.
Three Organisations Behind the Shutdown
The bandh has been jointly called by:
Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA)
Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO)
All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO)
Their key demands include:
Removal of the Capital Jama Masjid at Nigam Colony, Naharlagun
A complete ban on weekly markets in the Capital Region
Deportation of people allegedly identified as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants
Failed Dialogue Leads to Rescheduled Bandh
Originally planned for November 25, the bandh was postponed after authorities invited the groups for talks. However, a meeting scheduled with the Home Minister on December 5 could not take place due to his election campaign, leading the organisations to move ahead with the December 9 shutdown.
APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the bandh would not be postponed again and called on CBOs, business owners, transport unions, and residents to support the protest. He added that the state government would be responsible for any untoward incidents during the bandh.
