Normal life came to a halt on Tuesday in Arunachal Pradesh’s Capital Complex after a 12-hour shutdown was enforced by three organisations demanding action on alleged illegal structures and migrants. Markets, banks, educational institutions and private offices remained shut, while traffic on major roads stayed thin. The shutdown covered Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa and concluded peacefully without any major incident.
Police detained 16 people—four in Itanagar and twelve in Naharlagun—for allegedly trying to enforce the shutdown forcibly. Commercial, private and public transport stayed off the roads, while only government vehicles on duty were seen moving.
The Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) and All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO) called the shutdown demanding demolition of “illegally built” mosques and temporary prayer structures, identification of alleged illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and a ban on weekly markets. Police said heavy security arrangements prevented any law-and-order issues.
