Violence Erupts During Itanagar Bandh Over New ILP Guidelines
Protests Turn Violent in Itanagar
Agitators protesting against the new ILP guidelines in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday (Photo: AT)
Itanagar, May 16: A 36-hour bandh initiated by the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee escalated into violence, marked by road blockades, stone-throwing, assaults on vehicles, and the gherao of the Itanagar Police Station across various areas of the twin capital region on Friday.
The bandh was organized to protest the newly released "Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026," which significantly disrupted daily life in the Itanagar Capital Region.
The committee claims that certain aspects of the new guidelines infringe upon the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 and threaten the rights and interests of the state's indigenous populations.
They are demanding a review and amendment of the gazette notification issued by the Political Department concerning the new ILP guidelines.
During the bandh, most government and private offices, banks, post offices, educational institutions, and businesses remained closed.
Protesters obstructed sections of National Highway-415 at multiple points, causing significant disruptions to traffic.
While some traffic was observed in the capital region during the morning, a large group of protesters later took to the streets, calling for the immediate release of their leaders and members detained by police on Thursday.
Reports indicate that around eight individuals, including executive members of the organization such as Millo Ambo, Sol Dodum, and Tana Tamar, were apprehended by police in connection with the shutdown that began at 5 am on May 14.
Thousands from various sectors marched towards the Itanagar Police Station, demanding the release of all arrested protesters.
In response to the escalating protests, State Home Minister Mama Natung ordered the release of all detainees and urged protesters to end the bandh.
Despite the minister's appeal, tensions rose outside the Itanagar Police Station, leading to stone-pelting by angry protesters. Police subsequently deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Eventually, all members of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee who were detained in relation to the bandh were released after the Itanagar district administration lifted the preventive detention orders against them.
In the midst of the unrest, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu defended the new ILP framework, emphasizing the necessity for digitization to enhance monitoring and reduce irregularities.
He acknowledged that while the ILP has been in place for years, there are significant irregularities due to Arunachal Pradesh's extensive border with Assam, which has over 16 entry points.
Khandu stated that the traditional system is inadequate for effective regulation.
"The previous paper-based ILP system cannot manage regulations effectively. We are transitioning to an electronic-digital system for the ILP. Once implemented, we will be able to monitor the issuance of ILPs and track movements, including those exiting the state," he explained.
He further noted that the digital system would facilitate the identification of violations more effectively.
"Individuals with invalid or expired ILPs residing in the state will also be identified through this digital system. The paper ILP is no longer suitable for Arunachal Pradesh," he added.
Calling for peace, the Chief Minister urged public cooperation.
"I encourage the public to work with the government towards a long-term solution. Bandhs and closures will not resolve the issue; they will only harm our own people," he stated.
The protests were sparked by the new ILP guidelines, which introduce a digital e-ILP system featuring QR code verification and enhanced monitoring protocols.