Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) – On 24.10.2025, under the leadership of ‘Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO)’, ‘All Capital Complex Youth Welfare Association (ACCYWA)’ and ‘All Naharlagun Youth Welfare Association (ANYWA)’ took to streets and staged agitations against Bangladeshi infiltrators and illegal mosques. They carried banners with slogans such as ‘Go back Bangladeshi infiltrators’ and ‘Save Arunachal Pradesh’. They also warned the Government of starting state-wide agitations if action was not taken within fifteen days.
Conversion by missionaries and intrusion by Muslims in Arunachal
The part of Arunachal Pradesh on the Myanmar border is facing two major problems viz. conversion by missionaries and infiltration by Muslims. The local community is affected by such infiltration and there is a fury amongst the youth. The agitators are demanding that the Government take over the land illegally grabbed by Muslims in Itanagar and Naharlagun and immediately remove 15-20 illegal mosques and religious constructions erected by them.
Cultural identity of Arunachal is in danger
APIYO’s President Taro Sonam Liyak informed that about 1000-2000 Muslims are entering Arunachal Pradesh every day showing ‘Inner Line Permit (It is an official travel document required for citizens of neighbouring countries to enter the State, up to a specified distance)’. He explained that those people show the licence and later, hide in the crowd, never to go back to their own country. The increasing population of Muslims is changing the demography of the State causing serious problems for cultural and social security. Increasing population of outsiders is worsening the problems related to drug trafficking and addictions trapping the local youth. The cultural identity of Arunachal will be endangered if timely steps are not taken by the Government.
Memorandum given to State’s Chief Secretary
The organisations staging agitations submitted a two-page memorandum to the State’s Chief Secretary demanding immediate action against illegal mosques and madarasas and deportation of Bangladeshi infiltrators. It has been further stated in the memorandum that out of 13,730 Muslims staying there, 20% are Bangladeshis who are turning out to be a threat for the local people. Along with the information the State Government has, more than ten illegal mosques are operated here. Permission should be granted to only two legal mosques and rest should be removed.
Demand to impose restrictions on weekly bazaar
There is also a demand to impose a ban on the weekly bazaars held in the area of the Capital and nearby areas like Doimukh, Hollongi, etc since several illegal travellers come as traders and stay in rented houses creating problems for the local traders.
Misuse of ‘Inner Line Permit’
‘Inner Line Permit’ is compulsory for citizens of other countries as the State is on Indian border; but the local organisations claim that such permit is being misused and illegal residential colonies are set up on a large scale causing grave risk for the identity and security of the State.
Editorial Perspective
Why do people have to stage such agitations ? Why doesn’t the Government drive away infiltrators and take action against illegal mosques ?
Source : Sanatan Prabhat
