ITANAGAR, Jan 6: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday said he has directed officers to identify and demolish all illegal religious structures in the state capital.
The development came in the backdrop of agitation by youth organisations, alleging that illegal immigrants are erecting unauthorised religious structures in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).
Speaking to reporters, Khandu said, “I have instructed the deputy commissioners to identify and demolish all unauthorised religious structures in the state capital.”
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He said Arunachal Pradesh is protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, which regulates the entry of non-residents to safeguard indigenous communities, land and culture.
Khandu said the state government would soon roll out a new digitised ILP system to more effectively check illegal immigration.
“Earlier, the ILP system could not be properly monitored. We have now migrated to a digital platform. After cabinet approval, new rules will come into force,” he said.
The CM said that under the new system, employers bringing labourers from outside the state would be required to inform the government for verification, a move aimed at preventing illegal migration.
He also said the BEFR would be amended further to make it stronger.
On concerns over illegal immigration, Khandu said the government is committed to strengthening ILP enforcement and border controls, while ensuring that all actions are taken through proper legal procedures.
The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation, which are spearheading the agitation against illegal immigration and unauthorised religious structures, enforced a 12-hour bandh in the state capital in December.
Their demands include the removal of what they claim is an illegally constructed ‘Capital Jama Masjid’ at Naharlagun, action against unauthorised settlements, and a ban on weekly markets allegedly run by undocumented settlers.
The organisations have also called for tighter checks at the state’s entry gates and regular verification drives, saying stronger internal monitoring and gate security are essential to protect tribal land and maintain demographic balance.
Police, however, said ILP enforcement and verification drives are already being intensified to plug loopholes. (PTI)
