HT Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Aug 7: The Save Arunachal Save Indigenous (SASI) forum has called upon the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to undertake strict and comprehensive checking of Inner Line Permits (ILPs) to curb the alleged influx of illegal immigrants into the state.
The forum submitted a four-point representation to the state’s Home Minister on Thursday, urging the government to intensify ILP enforcement measures at all check gates across the state and address concerns about demographic changes.
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Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, SASI Chairman Romjir Rakshap said that although the forum could not meet the Home Minister in person due to his engagements, the memorandum was formally submitted to his office.
According to an official statement issued by the forum, the representation highlights the perceived increase in illegal entry into Arunachal Pradesh and requests urgent action to preserve the demographic balance and security of the indigenous population.
Rakshap claimed that the recent eviction drives in neighbouring Assam, spearheaded by the Hemanta Biswa Sarma-led government targeting illegal encroachment on forest land, may have triggered a spillover of displaced settlers into Arunachal Pradesh.
He warned that such movements could result in long-term socio-cultural disruptions within the state.
“There is a serious apprehension that a large number of illegal immigrants may have crossed over into Arunachal Pradesh through informal and illegal channels. This could lead to demographic imbalance and poses a threat to the safety and security of the indigenous population,” Rakshap said.
He added that the issue of unchecked migration must be treated with urgency and seriousness, noting that current enforcement mechanisms might prove inadequate if not strengthened immediately.
“If this alarming trend of migration continues unchecked, there will come a time when the indigenous people will be outnumbered, and even protective laws like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 may not be enough to safeguard us,” he stated.
The SASI chairman further appealed to the public to refrain from harbouring non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) individuals without valid documentation.
He expressed concern that some residents have been offering shelter and employment to outsiders—often as domestic help or manual labour—without verifying whether they possess the required ILP or legal identity documents.
“This practice is not only illegal but also undermines the efforts of the state to regulate migration and ensure proper documentation,” Rakshap cautioned.
According to the forum’s official statement, the four key demands placed before the government include an immediate halt to the issuance of ILPs to individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants, particularly from the Muslim community; revocation of the ban on weekly markets within the state; the institution of round-the-clock ILP verification at all official entry points and check gates; and the issuance of a public advisory along with the establishment of a toll-free number where citizens can report ILP violations.
Rakshap expressed hope that the government would treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and act in the interest of protecting the indigenous identity and cultural integrity of Arunachal Pradesh.
He reiterated SASI’s commitment to working within democratic frameworks and legal boundaries to advocate for the rights and concerns of the state’s indigenous people.
The government is yet to issue a public response to the representation.
