Arunachal: AAPSU holds massive referendum rally in Itanagar, demands action against illegal immigrants

Braving torrential rain, thousands marched in unison as the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) staged a Mega Mass Referendum Rally in Itanagar on Monday, June 16, raising pressing concerns over illegal immigration and the protection of indigenous identity in the state.

The rally, which commenced at 10 a.m. from Akashdeep to Raj Bhavan, witnessed participation from students, community-based organisations (CBOs), and NGOs from across Arunachal Pradesh. Despite the inclement weather, the crowd remained resolute, chanting powerful slogans like “Say NO to Demographic Invasion,” “Protect Our Land, Identity & Future,” and “Save Arunachal from Illegal Immigrants.”

The rally was centred on four key demands:

Re-verification and cleansing of the State Electoral Roll.

Cabinet approval for the removal of non-APST (non-Arunachalee) voters from the electoral process.

Immediate deportation of all illegal immigrants from the state.

Concrete measures to safeguard the indigenous identity of Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking to the media, AAPSU President Tana Doji Tara emphasized that the movement is not just a protest, but a pledge to protect the “sons of the soil.” “Neither rain nor thunder can deter our commitment. AAPSU will stand firm to ensure that illegal immigrants, including the Chakma and Hajong communities, are deported, and that electoral rolls are cleansed of double voters and non-APSTs,” he said.

Doji called for an urgent and systematic verification process, including the requirement of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for non-APST individuals attempting to vote in Arunachal while already voting in their original states.

AAPSU General Secretary Ritum Tali reiterated that all their demands stem from one core concern: the preservation of the rights and future of indigenous Arunachalees. He confirmed that the Union would be submitting a formal memorandum to the Governor, Chief Secretary, and the Chief Minister, under the theme: “No Amnesty, Just Deportation.”