AP Youth Mobilize Against Infiltration and Illegal Mosques

Poonam Sharma
Demonstrating increasing civic dissatisfaction, hundreds of youth activists recently marched on the streets of Itanagar under the banner of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO). The protesters, joined by the All Capital Complex Youth Welfare Association and the All Naharlagun Youth Welfare Association, demanded immediate action from the state government against what they perceived as a growing demographic and cultural threat, shouting slogans and carrying posters that read “Bangladeshi Infiltrators Go Back” and “Save Arunachal Pradesh.”

The protest comes amid growing concerns about illegal migration and religious encroachments in Arunachal Pradesh, a state that is strategically located along the northeastern frontier border of India, sharing borders with Myanmar and China. The youth leaders issued a stark warning: if the government does not take action within 15 days, they will launch a statewide movement.

Border and Demographic Concerns

With Arunachal Pradesh sharing a sensitive international border, the state is highly vulnerable to illegal migration. Quoting APIYO President Taro Sonam Liak, an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, reportedly enter the state every day with Inner Line Permits—official permission required for citizens of neighboring countries before entering selected parts of India. Liak alleged that although the immigrants technically conform with the system of permits, many reportedly stay in the state to merge into the local population, instead of returning to their previous locations.

This, he claimed, was changing the state’s demographic profile. “The growing Islamic population is not only changing the composition of our towns and cities but also threatening our cultural and social security,” Liak claimed in a press briefing.

Allegations of Illegal Religious Constructions

The protesters especially mentioned the towns of Itanagar and Naharlagun, saying that the Muslim settlers have occupied lands illegally and constructed 16 to 20 mosques and other religious sites. They demanded immediate administrative action to dismantle those structures and restore the land to the local rightful owners.

Besides religious constructions, the protesters pointed to missionary activities in the state. They accused the Christian missionaries operating near the Myanmar border of aggressive conversion activities, exacerbating the volatile situation in society. Local youth leaders maintain such developments have increased fear among indigenous communities of losing their control over ancestral lands and cultural identity.

Political and Social Dimensions

The protest is also indicative of the greater anxieties over demographic changes and illegal migration that characterize India’s northeastern states. Arunachal Pradesh, like other border states in the region, has conventionally struck a sensitive balance between the indigenous communities and settlers coming in. Such rapid demographic changes increase social tensions and can lead to disputes over land, employment, and cultural dominance.

Whereas the youth groups have framed the issue as that of illegal migration and religious encroachment, some critics warn against targeting specific communities, demanding lawful and evidence-based responses. Nevertheless, the protests have drawn significant public attention and placed pressure on local authorities to take immediate actions.

Government Response and Public Sentiment

Up to now, state officials have not issued a comprehensive response, though routine checks and monitoring of migration flows reportedly continue. Many locals support the youth-led call for action due to concerns of overcrowding, illegal occupation, and erosion of traditional culture. Community leaders stress the importance of balancing humanitarian concerns with the protection of indigenous rights.

Analysts observe that the unrest among the youths reflects a growing trend in India’s northeastern states, where local organizations have become increasingly vocal about illegal immigration, demographic shifts, and religious conversions. Such movements reflect both genuine local anxieties and the complexities of administering border regions with porous boundaries.

Looking Ahead

With the 15-day ultimatum issued by APIYO nearing its end, the spotlight is firmly on the Arunachal Pradesh government. The youth organizations insist that failure to act will compel them to take the movement statewide, with the possibility of mobilizing larger protests across multiple districts. The challenge for the policymakers is multi-layered: ensuring border security and land and construction laws while maintaining inter-community relationships in a diverse and strategically sensitive state. According to observers, long-term remedies may lie in revisiting the Inner Line Permit system, consolidating demographic monitoring, and involving local communities in participatory governance, in addition to law enforcement. Experts also recommend transparent public communication to avoid misinformation and decrease communal tension. The situation that is unfolding in Arunachal Pradesh, a state renowned for its rich indigenous heritage, complex ethnic composition, and strategic geopolitical location, underlines how delicate the interplay between migration, culture, and security has been. The coming weeks may determine the future not only of these youth protests but also of a broader approach to safeguarding the state’s demographic and cultural integrity against the growing internal and external pressures.