Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Orders Demolition of Unauthorized Religious Structures
Action Against Unauthorized Structures in Itanagar
Itanagar, Jan 6: Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, announced on Tuesday that he has instructed district authorities to locate and dismantle all unauthorized religious buildings within the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), in response to rising concerns regarding illegal immigration.
Khandu informed the media, stating, “I have directed the deputy commissioners to identify and take down all unauthorized religious structures in the state capital.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is safeguarded by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which is enforced through the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873, aimed at protecting the land, culture, and rights of the indigenous population.
He mentioned that the state government plans to implement a fully digitized ILP system to enhance monitoring and combat illegal immigration.
“Previously, the ILP system was challenging to monitor effectively. We have transitioned to a digital platform. Following cabinet approval, new regulations will be enacted,” Khandu explained.
Under the new system, employers bringing workers from outside the state will need to inform the government for verification, a step intended to prevent unauthorized migration. Khandu also indicated that further amendments to the BEFR are being considered to tighten the law.
Reaffirming the government's stance, the Chief Minister stated that the enforcement of ILP regulations and border controls would be enhanced, ensuring that all actions are conducted strictly within legal boundaries.
This directive follows ongoing protests by various youth organizations, which have claimed that illegal immigrants are erecting unauthorized religious structures in and around the state capital.
Several youth groups, including the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal, and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation, have been leading demonstrations against illegal immigration and unauthorized constructions. In December, these groups organized a 12-hour bandh in the state capital.
Their demands include the removal of what they term the illegally constructed ‘Capital Jama Masjid’ in Naharlagun, action against unauthorized settlements, a prohibition on weekly markets allegedly operated by undocumented settlers, and stricter monitoring at entry points.
Meanwhile, police officials have reported that ILP enforcement and verification efforts are being intensified to address existing loopholes and maintain public order.