A 12-hour bandh was observed in the Itanagar Capital Region today even though the district administration had earlier declared it illegal. The shutdown call was given by three youth organisations, and many areas in Itanagar and Naharlagun reported partial closure in the morning hours. Shops in several localities were shut, and public transport movement was limited, although the administration had directed that normal activity should continue.
The bandh has been called by the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal, the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation. These groups have been protesting over what they claim is illegal influx in the capital region. They have also raised questions regarding the rise of mosques and temporary prayer structures in different parts of the city. Earlier, the organisations said they had submitted a list of demands to the state government but were not satisfied with the response.
The bandh call continued despite an order issued by District Magistrate Toko Babu, which had termed the shutdown as unlawful. The order was issued on Monday under Section 163 of the BNSS, noting that bandhs cause serious inconvenience to common people. The administration pointed out that daily wage earners, patients, and schoolchildren suffer the most during such closures. It also warned that bandhs may disturb peace and can lead to law-and-order issues. 
The order also mentioned that elections to the Itanagar Municipal Corporation and nearby panchayats are under way and the Model Code of Conduct is in effect. Officials said any disruption at this point may affect polling arrangements and disturb preparations by the election authorities. The district magistrate therefore directed that the bandh cannot be permitted.
The youth groups, however, went ahead with the shutdown and appealed to local residents to support the bandh. They said that the matter concerns the identity and security of indigenous communities and claimed that the administration has not taken their concerns seriously. They have also demanded steps against what they describe as unauthorised religious structures in certain locations. The groups have also spoken about deportation of people whom they allege to be illegal migrants.
The district magistrate’s order referred to Supreme Court judgments which have held that bandhs declared by any group violate the rights of ordinary citizens. The order also noted that coercive shutdowns are treated as unlawful under state-level laws meant to prevent activities that disturb public life. The district administration warned that enforcing the bandh could lead to legal action.
Police teams were seen in several parts of Itanagar and Naharlagun today and security personnel were deployed near government offices, important roads and markets.
