Arunachal to relocate illegal immigrants in phased manner: Home minister Mama Natung

The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to begin the relocation of illegal immigrants to designated detention centres across the state in a phased manner, in response to rising concerns over undocumented foreigners.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners and superintendents of police from key districts, including Papum Pare, Itanagar Capital Region, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, and Changlang, along with representatives from the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU).

“The Home Department has been closely monitoring the situation for the past 20 to 25 days,” said Home Minister Natung, adding that detection directives have already been issued to the concerned district officials. “Following discussions, search and detection operations will now be intensified,” he added.

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The move specifically targets undocumented Bangladeshi nationals and members of the Chakma-Hajong community, whose presence has long been a contentious issue in the state.

In addition to his role as Home Minister, Mama Natung, who also serves as the PHED Minister, addressed concerns over water scarcity in the Itanagar Capital Region. He stated that emergency vehicles and engineers have been deployed to tackle the crisis, which has been exacerbated by monsoon-triggered landslides and flooding that damaged key water pipelines.

“Restoration work is being carried out on a war footing across the state to ensure timely water supply,” Natung assured.

The developments come amid increased public pressure and calls from student and civil society groups for stronger action on both illegal immigration and essential infrastructure gaps in the state.