Itanagar: A video from Arunachal Pradesh has sparked strong concern after it showed members of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation confronting Muslim ulema and pressuring them to chant Bharat Mata ki Jai. The group also threatened to demolish a mosque in the Itanagar Capital Region.
The incident was reported by Kashmir Media Service. The video shows APIYO leaders Tapor Meying and Taro Sonam Liyak questioning a maulana at a disputed site. Liyak targets Islam and the Quran during the exchange. He pressures the maulana to chant the slogan. He asks how Muslims can be true Indians if they refuse to say it.
Local residents shared the footage widely. It raised concerns about growing anti Muslim sentiment in parts of the Northeast. Observers note that the confrontation reflects rising pressure on Muslim communities in a state governed by the BJP.
The incident is part of a pattern. APIYO has been running a campaign against Muslim religious structures for one month. On November 17, the group issued a five day ultimatum for the demolition of a Jamia Masjid. It warned of a protest if authorities did not act. The group later announced a twelve hour bandh for November 24. They deferred the bandh, yet repeated demands for demolitions and for a ban on weekly markets that serve Muslim traders.
Muslim groups in the region say the threats create an atmosphere of fear. Community leaders call for protection of religious sites under the Constitution. They also urge the state administration to prevent hate driven campaigns.
