Arunachal indigenous youths hold mega mashaal rally in Itanagar against illegal immigration

Thousands of indigenous youths of Arunachal Pradesh on December 27 took out a massive Mashaal rally in the state capital to protest against Bangladesh-related issues and alleged illegal immigration, intensifying demands for protection of indigenous land, identity and national security. 

During the protest, demonstrators burnt an effigy of Bangladesh Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus and the national flag of Bangladesh.

The rally was jointly organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO). It commenced in the evening from Akashdeep and culminated at the Tennis Court area in Itanagar. Organisers said the protest remained peaceful and disciplined throughout.

According to the organisers, the rally was held in response to alleged remarks by Bangladeshi individuals and political leaders claiming that the Northeast forms part of a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Strong objection was also raised to statements allegedly threatening to cut off the Northeast from mainland India by capturing the strategic Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck.

The indigenous youth groups reiterated their long-standing opposition to illegal immigration in Arunachal Pradesh and raised concerns over what they described as illegal masjids and unauthorised structures in the Itanagar Capital Region. They alleged that such constructions violate existing laws and pose a threat to indigenous land rights and internal security.

The protesters also condemned the recent killing of an Indian Hindu man in Bangladesh, which they alleged was a case of mob lynching, and said the effigy burning was an expression of outrage over the incident.

APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak, speaking to the media, strongly condemned statements by Bangladeshi youth leaders regarding the integration of the Northeast states. He asserted that the Northeastern states are capable of defending themselves in the event of any conflict. Liyak also criticised the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Home Department over the alleged influx of illegal immigrants in the frontier state, which shares international borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Claiming proactive action by his organisation, Liyak said APIYO members have chased out more than 200 illegal immigrants from the state. He further alleged that one illegal mosque has already been sealed and would be dismantled soon following sustained pressure from indigenous youth organisations on the state government.

The organisers urged authorities to take firm and immediate action to safeguard national security, territorial integrity and the rights of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh.