The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC), which shut down Arunachal’s capital, is demanding strengthening of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, expulsion of illegal immigrants from Assam, and action regarding the Tibetan refugee issue.

The government has said that all five demands submitted by the ASTBAC, including the Tibetan refugee issue, would be discussed thoroughly. The committee has threatened to shut down the capital for 72 hours if its demands are not met, even as it turned down talks with the home minister, insisting that it will speak only with the chief minister.

After days of silence, Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged that the ILP concerns raised by the committee are genuine and announced that the government would soon hold discussions with ASTBAC members, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders on the issue.

The government admitted shortcomings in the present ILP system, including the absence of a mechanism to track people overstaying after permit expiry. The chief minister suggested that the ILP system needs digital linkage to effectively monitor influx and overstaying.

The government needs to sit down with these organisations, as the fears are real and there is widespread anxiety among the people regarding lax ILP enforcement, the refugee issue, and ST status. At the same time, both sides must ensure that people and communities are not harassed, and that lives are not put in danger, as these issues are deeply emotive. A practical and time-bound solution can be worked out with patience, understanding, and mutual respect.