Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has ordered officials to identify and dismantle all unauthorised religious structures within the state capital, amid growing concerns over illegal immigration.
The directive comes amid protests by several youth organisations, which have alleged that illegal immigrants are constructing religious structures without permission in the Itanagar Capital Region.
CM Khandu said he has instructed deputy commissioners to take action against all unauthorised religious establishments in the capital area.
He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is protected under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, governed by the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, which regulates the entry of non-residents to safeguard indigenous communities, land and culture.
The Chief Minister said the state government would soon roll out a fully digitised ILP system to strengthen monitoring and curb illegal immigration. “Earlier, the ILP system could not be effectively monitored. We have now migrated to a digital platform. Once the Cabinet gives its approval, the new rules will come into force,” he said.
Under the revised system, Khandu said, employers bringing labourers from outside the state will be required to inform the government for verification, a step aimed at preventing illegal migration. He added that the BEFR would be further amended to make it more stringent.
On concerns over illegal immigration, the Chief Minister said the government remains committed to strengthening ILP enforcement and border controls, while ensuring that all actions are carried out through due legal process.
The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation—leading the agitation against illegal immigration and unauthorised religious structures—had enforced a 12-hour bandh in the state capital in December.
The groups have demanded the removal of what they describe as an illegally constructed ‘Capital Jama Masjid’ at Naharlagun, action against unauthorised settlements, and a ban on weekly markets allegedly operated by undocumented settlers.
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They have also called for stricter checks at the state’s entry gates and regular verification drives, asserting that stronger internal monitoring and gate security are necessary to protect tribal land and maintain demographic balance.
