A massive protest rally took place from in Arunachal capital, Itanagar against Bangladesh’s claims over Northeast
Hundreds took to the streets of Itanagar to show their anger against Bangladesh’s baseless claims over Northeast.
The protest rally was organised by three indigenous youth organisations, the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO), and the Indigenous Youth Forum of Arunachal (IYFA), on Saturday, December 27. The rally also highlighted the concerns over alleged illegal immigration, amplifying calls for stronger protection of indigenous land, and cultural identity.
The massive protest rally took place from Akashdeep to the Tennis Court in the capital, Itanagar, with an overwhelming number of youths from across the state taking part.
The organizers stated that the protest was intended to deliver a strong, unified message that the people of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the youth, will not tolerate any challenge to the territorial integrity, identity, or sovereignty of Northeast India. The organizations have voiced serious concern over statements and narratives coming from across the border, which they believe undermine the region’s historical and political standing.
The organisers of the rally reminded the protesters about how Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, once sought China’s assistance to separate the Northeast and annex it to Bangladesh. The organisers also cautioned the protesters about the “Greater Bangladesh” map, which claims the seven states of Northeast India as part of Bangladesh.
Taro Sonam Liyak, the president of APIYO, stated, “Over 200 illegal immigrants have already been deported from Arunachal Pradesh. If the state government fails to address our demands by January 22, 2026, we will escalate the issue to the central government and launch a democratic movement.”
The leaders from the three youth bodies claimed, “This rally is not politically motivated but is driven by a collective responsibility to protect the land, culture, and future of the indigenous people of the Northeast”.
Notably, on Tuesday, December 23, the three indigenous youth organizations had issued a one-month ultimatum, calling for decisive action against alleged illegal immigrants and the demolition of unauthorized religious structures in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).
Through a joint resolution, the organizations raised concerns about the state government’s failure to address the issue of illegal immigrants and the construction of unauthorized Masjid and Panja Khana structures in the Twin Capital Region of Itanagar and Naharlagun.
On December 19, following a meeting with Home Minister Mama Natung, the organizations reaffirmed their demand for immediate action against alleged Bangladeshi immigrants and called for the removal of structures they assert were illegally built in the ICR.
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