Members of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan, a group working for the protection of Scheduled Tribe rights and indigenous identity in Arunachal Pradesh, have alleged illegal entry into the state and unauthorised collection of money at the Hollongi check gate near Itanagar.According to the organisation, its members started monitoring activities at the check gate from Saturday night following complaints regarding irregularities during the entry process.The inspection was reportedly led by the organisation’s chairman Sol Dodum and general secretary Milo Ambo along with other members of the group.The organisation claimed that during the inspection, several people were allegedly found entering Arunachal Pradesh without possessing valid Inner Line Permit (ILP) documents. The ILP system is mandatory for non-residents entering the state and is considered an important mechanism for protecting the rights, land and identity of indigenous tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh.
Members of the organisation alleged that they came across travellers who claimed that money was collected from them during the entry process at the check gate.According to the allegations made by the group, four individuals claimed that they paid Rs 500 each to police personnel posted at the gate in order to gain entry into the state. The travellers allegedly told members of the organisation that they were allowed to pass through after making the payment.The organisation described the matter as serious and said such incidents, if true, could weaken the enforcement of the ILP system in the state. Members said the issue was not only related to illegal entry but also connected to the larger concern of protecting indigenous rights and maintaining transparency at border entry points.The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan has demanded stricter monitoring at the Hollongi check gate and sought greater accountability in the functioning of the entry system. The organisation also called for proper verification of documents and stronger action against any form of corruption or illegal practices.
The Hollongi check gate remains one of the important entry points into Arunachal Pradesh, especially after the opening of the Donyi Polo Airport near Itanagar. A large number of visitors, workers, traders and travellers pass through the area regularly.The allegations made by the organisation have not yet received an official response from the concerned authorities. No formal statement had been issued by the police regarding the claims at the time of filing this report.
