HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR: A massive protest rally against illegal immigration was held in Itanagar city on Saturday, with thousands of people taking to the streets to voice opposition to the presence of illegal immigrants in Arunachal Pradesh, the North East and the country as a whole.
The rally was led by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, along with the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal and the Naharlagun Youth Organisation.
Related Posts:
Protesters marched through the city carrying torches and the national flag, raising slogans against illegal immigration and asserting unity of Arunachal Pradesh, the North East and India.
Leaders of the organisations said the rally was organised to protest what they described as provocative claims and propaganda originating from Bangladesh, including alleged assertions over parts of the North East.
They said such statements were unacceptable and called for firm action to safeguard the interests of indigenous communities.
Speaking to the media, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the time had come for people of Arunachal Pradesh, the North East and the rest of India to remain united.
He alleged that certain actions and statements from across the border were irresponsible and urged an immediate halt to what he termed as illegal activities and propaganda.
Liyak said the movement was not directed against any religion or community, but was focused solely on the issue of illegal immigration and statements that, according to him, could disturb peace and harmony.
He condemned incidents of violence against Indians and stressed that while the people of Arunachal Pradesh believed in peace and non-violence, they would not remain silent if such actions continued.
The APIYO president urged the state government to take necessary steps to protect the interests of indigenous communities and preserve the cultural balance of Arunachal Pradesh.
He said failure to address the issue could prompt the organisations to approach central leaders in New Delhi in the coming days to press for stronger action.
The organisations reiterated their long-standing demands, including identification and deportation of illegal immigrants and stricter implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to check illegal entry into the state.
They said democratic movements would continue until concrete measures are taken to ensure the safety and security of indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.
