Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Jun 5: The 24-hour bandh called by the All Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) on Friday affected normal life across the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), although there were no reports of any untoward incident during the day.
The bandh, which came into effect at 5 am in the morning, witnessed the closure of educational institutions, government offices, banks, business establishments, financial institutions and shops across the capital region. Vehicular movement was minimal, with only a few vehicles seen on the roads during the day.
The shutdown affected daily activities in Itanagar and Naharlagun, drawing mixed reactions from the public. While some residents expressed support for APIYO's demands, others voiced concern over the impact of frequent bandhs on livelihoods and public convenience.
According to DIGP Itanagar Range Tumme Amo, the overall law-and-order situation remained peaceful throughout the day, with no untoward incidents reported from any part of the capital region.
“There has been no report of violence or any major law-and-order problem. No arrests have been made,” the DIGP said.
The only notable protest activity was reported from the Papu Nallah area in Naharlagun, where a group of APIYO supporters gathered in the morning, raised slogans in support of the bandh and burnt tyres on the roadside. Police personnel later intervened and dispersed the protesters, following which no further incidents were reported.
APIYO has been campaigning on issues related to the State’s demographic balance, stricter implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, action against illegal immigrants, and the removal of unauthorized religious structures.
The organization had called the bandh to press for its demands, including action against alleged unauthorized mosque constructions and stronger enforcement measures against illegal immigration.
Many residents supported the concerns raised by the organization, stating that issues relating to unauthorized structures and implementation of existing laws deserve attention from the government. However, several commuters and business owners questioned the use of bandhs as a means of protest, citing disruptions to daily life and economic activities.
Meanwhile, ICR Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu stated that the State Government and district administration had already acted on several of the issues raised by the organization.
Speaking to reporters, the DC said that all 15 religious structures found to be operating without the required statutory permissions in the capital region had been sealed following due legal procedures.
The bandh will remain in force until 5 am on Saturday.