Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said he has directed district administrations to identify and demolish all unauthorized religious structures in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).
This move aims to address concerns over illegal immigration. Speaking to reporters, Khandu said he had instructed deputy commissioners to act against all unauthorized religious structures in the state capital.
The Chief Minister said Arunachal Pradesh remains protected under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. The state enforces the ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873. He said the law safeguards the land, culture, and rights of indigenous communities.
Khandu said the government will soon roll out a fully digitised ILP system. He said the new system will strengthen monitoring and curb illegal immigration.
“Earlier, we could not properly monitor the ILP system. We have now shifted to a digital platform. After Cabinet approval, new rules will come into force,” he said.
Under the proposed system, employers bringing labourers from outside the state must inform the government for verification. The move aims to prevent unauthorised migration.
Khandu also said the government is planning amendments to the BEFR. He said the changes will make the law more stringent.
Reiterating the government’s stand, Khandu said authorities will strictly enforce ILP norms and border controls. He added that all actions will follow due legal process.
The directive comes amid sustained protests by several youth organisations. The groups have alleged that illegal immigrants are constructing unauthorised religious structures in and around the state capital.
Several organisations, including the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal, and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation, have led the agitation. In December, the groups enforced a 12-hour bandh in the state capital.
Their demands include the removal of what they describe as an illegally constructed Capital Jama Masjid in Naharlagun. They have also sought action against unauthorised settlements, a ban on weekly markets allegedly run by undocumented settlers, and stricter monitoring at entry gates.
Meanwhile, police officials said enforcement of ILP norms has already intensified. They added that verification drives are underway to plug loopholes and maintain law and order.