Torchlight Rally in Itanagar Highlights Growing Anxiety Over Alleged Illegal Immigration
Thousands of indigenous youths and residents took to the streets of Itanagar on December 27 in a massive torchlight rally, voicing strong opposition to what organizers described as illegal immigration from Bangladesh and its perceived impact on Arunachal Pradesh’s demographic balance, security, and indigenous identity.
The march, which stretched from Akashdeep to the Tennis Court at IG Park, was jointly organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal (IYFA), and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation (ANYO). Participants, including students and local residents, carried torches and Indian flags while chanting slogans demanding the protection of indigenous land, culture, and territorial integrity.
During the rally, protesters burned effigies of Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus and the Bangladeshi national flag, expressing anger over alleged narratives of a “Greater Bangladesh” and claims seen as threatening India’s Northeast. Banners reading “Mass Protest Rally Against Illegal Claims on Northeast India” were visible throughout the procession, while chants of “Go back” were directed at alleged undocumented migrants.
Speakers at the event linked the agitation to recent local developments, including what they termed a “victory” in securing assurances to dismantle an unauthorized mosque in the Itanagar Capital Region. APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak claimed that indigenous groups had already driven out more than 200 illegal immigrants and that an illegal mosque had been sealed for dismantling. He warned that indigenous communities were prepared to defend themselves if authorities failed to act decisively.
Liyak criticized the state government and the Home Department for what he described as inaction, drawing comparisons with deportation drives in Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He cautioned that protests could intensify if concrete measures are not taken by 2026 to curb illegal immigration and unauthorized constructions.
Other speakers tied the movement to wider regional tensions, citing reports of violence against Indians in Bangladesh and alleged statements by Bangladeshi figures laying claim to parts of Northeast India. Organizers also alleged that illegal immigrants account for a significant portion of local crime and reiterated a policy of zero tolerance.
Despite the strong rhetoric, the rally remained peaceful, with no reports of violence. Organizers said they are prepared to approach the central government, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking intervention. Their demands include the removal of allegedly illegal mosques and madrasas in the capital region, rigorous identification and deportation of undocumented migrants, and stronger border enforcement.
The protest comes amid heightened sensitivities in Arunachal Pradesh, a strategic frontier state bordering China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Recent bandhs, arrests under the Unlawful Activities Act, and security-related detentions have underscored the tense atmosphere. State authorities have yet to issue a formal response to the rally, maintaining that illegal immigration is being addressed under existing laws.
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