A series of anti-Muslim videos circulating on social media and the actions of the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) have caused alarm among Muslims in Arunachal Pradesh. APIYO members have visited mosques across various districts to “verify their legality,” leading to worries within the Muslim community about being unfairly targeted in a supposed campaign against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. Community members assert that while they support action against illegal immigration, the blanket assumption that all Muslims wearing skullcaps are from Bangladesh fuels fear and is problematic. They clarify that mosques serve as congregational spaces for migrant workers and contend that they would support police action against anyone attempting to convert local tribal residents.
In response to the situation, State Home Minister Mama Natung has directed district authorities to refrain from illegal actions, affirming that no discrimination based on religion, tribe, or caste will be tolerated. The state government plans to engage with APIYO to discuss illegal migration concerns. APIYO’s President, Taro Sonam Liyak, meanwhile, has claimed that he is the target of a malicious campaign involving doctored videos and has filed complaints against individuals spreading misinformation, alleging that it endangers his team’s lives and has requested security for APIYO members.
Simultaneously, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has accused the ruling BJP of fostering a communal atmosphere due to its inaction regarding these tensions. The APCC suggests that Arunachal Pradesh, long celebrated for its harmony, is facing rising discord because of the BJP’s failure to address illegal immigration and encroachments on tribal land. They advocate for thorough investigations into illegal immigration, enforcement actions against encroachment, and the adherence to legal frameworks such as the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 and the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The APCC firmly states their intention to prevent Arunachal Pradesh from becoming a battleground for divisive politics, calling for restored peace and the protection of indigenous communities.
