ITANAGAR, 18 Jun: Indian Youth Congress (IYC) national general secretary Tarh Johny has expressed serious concern over statements made by some “Arunachal priest leaders” on Thursday regarding their alleged association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Reacting to the development, Johny said that “such claims have raised concerns among sections of the indigenous population and point to an increasing attempt to influence the traditional social and cultural fabric of Arunachal Pradesh through ideological means.”

Such growing involvement of the RSS in matters relating to indigenous faith and identity has contributed to religious tensions in the state, he said.

“Arunachal Pradesh has historically been known for peaceful coexistence among indigenous communities, and any attempt to polarise or communalise indigenous traditions threatens that harmony,” Johny said, adding that the state government must take immediate cognisance of the issue and initiate appropriate action against all the priests concerned, “especially who are paid honorarium to safeguard communal harmony, indigenous identity, and the constitutional rights of all communities.”

Johny urged all civil society organisations and indigenous community leaders to remain united in preserving the state’s longstanding traditions of peace, mutual respect, and coexistence.

“The protection of Arunachal’s indigenous identity and communal harmony must remain above all political, religious and ideological interests,” he said.