Masjid demolition demand triggers 12-hour bandh; Arunachal capital admin declares strike illegal

Tension brews ahead of the 12-hour bandh called by three youth groups in the Capital Region on December 9, even as the district administration has declared the shutdown “illegal and unlawful”. 

Local civil bodies have appealed to the youth organisations to reconsider the bandh, citing election timings and hardships to citizens.

The bandh has been jointly declared by the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), and All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO) over three key demands:

• Removal of the Capital Jama Masjid at Nigam Colony, Naharlagun
• Imposition of a total ban on weekly markets in the Capital Region
• Deportation of individuals claimed to be illegal Bangladeshi immigrants

The organisations had earlier planned a bandh for November 25 but deferred it after being invited for talks. However, the December 5 meeting with the Home Minister did not take place due to his ongoing election campaign schedule. 

APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said this bandh will not be postponed and has appealed to CBOs, business groups, transport unions and locals to support the strike, adding that the state government would be responsible for any untoward incident.

Also Read: Arunachal: Itanagar residents irked as BJP blocks roads for campaign rallies

In a formal order issued on December 8, District Magistrate Toko Babu, APCS, declared the bandh illegal under Section 163 of BNSS read with provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.

The order cited Supreme Court judgments that prohibit bandhs declared by associations or organisations, noting that such shutdowns cause hardship to daily wage earners, business communities and may disrupt peace and public order.

The DM further stated that the bandh violates the Model Code of Conduct as elections to the Municipal Corporation, Baat-Ganga and Borum Panchayats are underway in the Capital.

Police have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order and act against violators.

Speaking to India Today, Kipa Nai, President of the Bazaar Welfare Society Naharlagun, and General Secretary Tadar Tania appealed to the youth bodies to defer the bandh.

They acknowledged the genuineness of the issues raised but stressed that shutting down public life harms the poor and daily wage labourers.

“It is election time; the bandh will only inconvenience citizens. Youths should sit across the table with the government and resolve the issues. Bandh is illegal and causes unnecessary harassment,” they said.

The market representatives also requested that sensitive issues be approached through constructive engagement rather than coercive measures that disrupt essential services.

The bandh call has sparked intense debate in Naharlagun and Itanagar. While some locals support the demands of the youth organisations, others fear disruptions, especially at a time when campaign activities, business operations and public movements are at their peak due to upcoming elections.

The administration has assured strict measures to prevent disruptions, but residents remain anxious over possible clashes or road blockades.

As December 9 approaches, all eyes remain on whether youth outfits hold firm to their decision or engage in fresh discussions with authorities to find a middle ground.