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Tension as Itanagar Braces for Dec 9 Bandh; Police on Alert

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Itanagar
  • Dec 08, 2025
  • 300

A tense atmosphere grips the Itanagar Capital Region as three youth organisations gear up to enforce a 12-hour bandh on December 9, prompting the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) to implement extensive security arrangements and caution protestors against disrupting public order.

Addressing the media at Police Headquarters, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa issued a firm warning to the bandh callers, stating that any attempt to disturb peace or violate the law would face “strict action”. He confirmed that the police have deployed “elaborate security measures” to maintain normalcy and ensure public safety during the shutdown.

The district administration has already declared the bandh illegal and unlawful, urging residents to continue with their daily activities. Several community-based organisations (CBOs) and civil society groups have also appealed to the youth bodies to reconsider the bandh in view of the ongoing election period and the hardship such disruptions may cause.

The bandh is being jointly organised by the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO). The groups have placed three key demands before the state government:

  1. Removal of the Capital Jama Masjid at Nigam Colony, Naharlagun

  2. A complete ban on weekly markets in the Capital Region

  3. Deportation of individuals alleged to be illegal Bangladeshi immigrants

The organisations had earlier scheduled a bandh on November 25 but postponed it after the government invited them for talks. However, the follow-up meeting slated for December 5 with the Home Minister did not materialise due to his election engagements, leading the groups to proceed with the December 9 shutdown.

APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the bandh would not be deferred again, urging CBOs, businesses, transport unions and the public to support their movement. He added that the state government would be responsible for any untoward incidents arising during the protest.