Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, 18 May: The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) has questioned the state government as to what action it is taking with regard to alleged illegal mosques and illegal immigrants in the state.

Addressing mediapersons at the Arunachal Press Club here on Monday, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation has repeatedly submitted representations to the state government and the departments concerned in support of its demands, followed by dharnas and rallies in Itanagar.

“On 27 January, we held a roundtable discussion with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Home Minister Mama Natung, and government officers. We also submitted a list of illegal mosques in the capital region and raised our concern over illegal immigrants in the state. During the meeting, the CM gave us a written assurance that strict action would be taken against the construction of illegal mosques and against illegal immigrants,” Liyak said.

 “We have observed that the state government has failed to act as per its assurance on illegal construction of mosques and illegal immigrants in the state,” he added.

He said that the APIYO recently sought permission to organise a peaceful rally in Itanagar to press its demands and highlight the government’s delay, but the Itanagar superintendent of police denied issuing a no objection certificate (NOC).

“We want to fight democratically, but we fail to understand why the district administration and the police denied our appeal,” Liyak said.

He warned that if permission is denied, the APIYO may enforce a bandh and take action themselves against alleged illegal structures. He stated that the organisation “will never stray from the issue,” and demanded immediate intervention from the administration.

Meanwhile, Itanagar Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar said that NOC has not been denied to the APIYO.

“Based on credible inputs and considering the prevailing sensitive law and order situation in the ICR, the capital police appealed to the APIYO to defer the proposed rally to a more appropriate date in the larger interest of public peace and safety. The same was conveyed to APIYO secretary-general Tapor Maying during a meeting held on Monday,” the SP said.

“The capital police have never denied, nor will it deny, permission to any organisation for any lawful rally or dharna conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner. The appeal for deferment was made purely as a precautionary measure to prevent antisocial elements from taking advantage of such a large lawful gathering and disturbing public order,” he added.