Itanagar: A video from a mosque in the capital city has triggered widespread discussion on civic rights and religious freedom after members of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization entered the premises and demanded registration documents. The incident took place on 28 November and was recorded by the group.
The team was led by APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak. He said they were inspecting the mosque to check if it was operating with valid documents. The video shows the group questioning those present about ownership, permissions, activities and funding. The recording also captures a moment when the imam was asked to chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The man agreed and responded that all names for the country hold the same meaning for him.
During the exchange, Liyak stated that an unregistered mosque should be dismantled. He also questioned the purpose of the structure and spoke about crime in the state. He linked this to what he called illegal migration from Bangladesh. He said his organisation focuses on issues linked to undocumented migrants and added that legal religious sites face no objection.
The footage has received thousands of views and has led to discussions on legality and the limits of civic interventions. The administration has not yet issued a statement. Officials have not confirmed any link between the mosque and undocumented migrants. No police presence is seen in the video and no inquiry details have been shared so far.
