The capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, was largely shut down on Tuesday as a 12-hour bandh, called by three youth organisations, got underway from 5 am despite being officially declared “illegal” by the district administration. The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), All Naharlagun Youth Organization (ANYO), and Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA) decided to proceed with the first phase of the Capital Bandh, citing the government’s prolonged failure to act on their key concerns.
Itanagar Capital District Magistrate Toko Babu had previously issued an order on December 8, declaring the bandh illegal and directing the organisations to call it off, noting that such shutdowns inflict “untold misery and hardship” on the public and pose a serious threat to law and order.
However, APIYO President Taro Sonam Liyak announced that the groups were going ahead with the agitation.
The organisations stated that their issues, first raised on October 6 have been consistently ignored by the government. A promised meeting with authorities on December 5 also failed to materialise, prompting the youth groups to enforce the shutdown. An earlier bandh planned for November 25 had been postponed to accommodate local festivals and sports events.
The core demands of the three bodies include the removal of the allegedly illegal construction of a masjid and panja khana, action against unauthorised settlements, particularly those linked to “Bangladeshi Immigrants,” and the closure of the daily market.
The groups stated that it was not merely an APIYO bandh but a “public and indigenous bandh call,” and they appealed for support from the public, transport unions, and business communities. They confirmed that essential services, including ambulances, milk supply, and students appearing for examinations, would be exempted, with students advised to carry their ID cards.
The groups said that if any untoward incident occurs during the bandh, the government should take responsibility. They added that their patience has worn thin, and if the long-pending issues remain unresolved, a second, potentially indefinite, phase of the bandh may be announced.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa has issued a warning to the bandh callers, cautioning them not to take the law into their own hands or they will face strict legal consequences.
Addressing the media at the Police Headquarters (PHQ), Itanagar, IGP Chukhu Apa stated that elaborate and comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place in anticipation of the 12-hour Itanagar Capital Region bandh called by three organisations. He assured that the police force is fully prepared to maintain law and order, ensure public safety, and respond promptly to any untoward incidents during the bandh call. As of now, no untoward incident has been reported from the capital city.
