Guwahati: Thousands of indigenous youths in Arunachal Pradesh held a massive torch march in Itanagar on Saturday to protest alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh and related concerns, demanding the protection of indigenous land, identity, and national security.
Protesters burned an effigy of Bangladesh Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus along with the Bangladesh national flag during the demonstration.
The rally was organised jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO).
It began in the evening from Akashdeep and concluded at the Tennis Court area in Itanagar. Organisers said the protest remained peaceful throughout.
The demonstration was reportedly prompted by remarks from Bangladeshi individuals and political leaders claiming that the Northeast is part of a “Greater Bangladesh.” Participants also raised objections to statements suggesting that the strategic Siliguri Corridor, or “Chicken’s Neck,” could be captured to isolate the Northeast from mainland India.
The youth groups reiterated their opposition to illegal immigration in Arunachal Pradesh and expressed concerns over alleged unauthorised structures, including illegal masjids, in the Itanagar Capital Region. They claimed such constructions violate laws and threaten indigenous land rights and internal security.
Protesters also condemned the recent killing of an Indian Hindu man in Bangladesh, describing it as mob lynching, and said burning the effigy reflected their outrage over the incident.
APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak told the media that statements by Bangladeshi youth leaders about integrating the Northeast were unacceptable. He affirmed that the region is capable of defending itself if required.
Liyak also criticised the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Home Department over the alleged influx of illegal immigrants in the border state, which shares frontiers with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
Liyak claimed that APIYO had expelled over 200 illegal immigrants from the state and said that one illegal mosque has already been sealed, with plans for dismantling soon, following pressure from indigenous youth organisations.
The organisers called on authorities to act promptly to protect national security, territorial integrity, and the rights of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous communities.