Itanagar District Magistrate, in an order, stated that bandhs routinely impose public hardship, disrupt essential services
The Itanagar District Magistrate, Toko Babu, has declared the 12-hour bandh called for tomorrow by 3 organisations as “illegal.”
The shutdown was called by the Indigenous Youth Front of Arunachal (IYFA), the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO) and the All Naharlagun Youth Organization (ANYO) in Itanagar demanding the demolition of the Capital Jama Masjid, a ban on weekly markets, and the deportation of “illegal immigrants,” with the groups warning of further escalation if the government delays action.
The District Magistrate, in an order, stated that bandhs routinely impose public hardship, disrupt essential services, and may lead to loss of life and property, making them a serious law-and-order threat.
Citing Supreme Court rulings, the order reaffirmed that bandhs declared by any political party, organization, association, or group violate citizens’ fundamental rights.
Noting that the bandh call comes at a time when the Model Code of Conduct is in force for Urban and Local Body elections, the District Magistrate said that any disruption could affect the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Directing IYFA, APIYO, and ANYO to withdraw the bandh call immediately, the order warned that trying to enforce the bandh will be treated as unlawful activity under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2015.
Citizens have been urged to go about their normal activities and refrain from participating in any bandh-related actions.
Also Read : APIYO Calls 12-Hour Shutdown In Itanagar On Dec 9
