Arunachal BJP leader calls bandh culture a ‘curse for development’, backs ILP enforcement demand

Senior BJP leader Likha Maaj has termed bandh culture a “curse for development” while supporting the demand for strict implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system raised by the ST Bachao Andolan Committee.

In a statement, Maaj said the issue of proper ILP enforcement was genuine and important for safeguarding the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. However, he criticised the decision of the committee members to call a 36-hour bandh within a short period of time.

Opposing the bandh call, the BJP leader said bandh culture had already been declared illegal by the Supreme Court and argued that such shutdowns mainly affect daily wage earners and create hardship for all sections of society.

Maaj also questioned the demand seeking the resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, saying it indicated that there could be “political motives” behind the agitation.

He stated that the Home Department is the primary authority responsible for matters related to ILP and its implementation.

The BJP leader further highlighted what he described as the developmental achievements of the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh during the last 10 years under Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Maaj assured that the BJP government would take strict measures to remove illegal immigrants from the state and push for digitalisation of the ILP system in accordance with the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, which provides special safeguards for the indigenous population of Arunachal Pradesh.