Editor,

I am an indigenous person from Shi-Yomi district, and an atheist. I fully support the ongoing efforts to remove illegal encroachments and unauthorised religious structures because we must protect our tribal land, culture and identity under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

However, I feel the current movement is becoming selective. While many mosques and madrassas in the Itanagar Capital Region (around 12-20 flagged by the APIYO) are being highlighted, there is much less attention on unauthorised structures and long-term overstays by non-tribal Hindu community, who are far more numerous on the ground.

The 2011 census shows Hindus at 29.04% and Muslims only at 1.95% of Arunachal’s population.

The ILP is meant only for temporary stay (15-30 days for tourists, maximum one year for work). There is no provision for permanent settlement, yet many non-tribal families have stayed 40-50+ years through repeated renewals.

I strongly request that the state government, along with indigenous organisations and public representatives, to conduct a comprehensive joint survey of all illegal/unauthorised religious infrastructures – mosques, temples, churches, etc – across the state. The survey must not selectively target only mosques. All findings with details of land papers, ILP status and permissions should be made public.

Only a fair and uniform approach as per the law will strengthen our movement and truly protect Arunachal.

I hope your newspaper can highlight this balanced view and push for equal application of rules to everyone.

Tumge Ragyor,

Mechukha, Shi-Yomi