Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), along with the All Capital Complex Youth Welfare Association and the All Naharlagun Youth Welfare Association, held a protest march demanding the dismantling of what they termed “illegally constructed mosques” in the Itanagar Capital Region.
The rally began at Akashdeep and ended with a sit-in protest near IG Park. APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the demonstration was for the welfare of the state’s indigenous population. He alleged that some mosques and madrassas were being built by “manipulating local people” and called on the state government to remove them.
Liyak stated that only government-registered mosques should be permitted, not exceeding two in number, arguing that this would help identify “illegal migrants” without Inner Line Permits (ILPs). He warned that if the government failed to act within 15 days, the groups would launch a larger democratic movement.
The organizations also demanded a ban on weekly markets in the capital and surrounding areas such as Hollongi and Doimukh, claiming that undocumented migrants enter these markets. A memorandum outlining these demands had earlier been submitted to the chief minister, chief secretary, and district administration.
Muslim leaders in the region have expressed concern over such rhetoric, saying that targeting mosques and linking them to illegal migration risks disturbing communal harmony in a diverse and sensitive border state. The government has yet to issue an official response.
