Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO) on Monday questioned the state government over alleged inaction against illegal mosque constructions and illegal immigrants in the State.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation had repeatedly submitted representations to the government and concerned departments and had also organised dharnas and rallies in support of its demands.
Liyak said APIYO held a roundtable meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Home Minister Mama Natung and government officials on January 27, during which the organisation submitted a list of alleged illegal mosque constructions in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) and raised concerns over illegal immigrants residing in the State.
According to him, the Chief Minister had assured the organisation in writing that appropriate action would be taken against illegal constructions and illegal immigrants. However, he alleged that no concrete action has been initiated so far.
Liyak further stated that APIYO had recently sought permission to organise a peaceful rally in Itanagar to press for its demands and protest the delay in government action, but claimed that the Itanagar Superintendent of Police did not issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the programme.
“We want to fight democratically, but we fail to understand why the district administration and police denied our appeal,” he said.
He also warned that if permission for the rally continues to be withheld, the organisation may resort to a bandh and other forms of protest against the alleged illegal structures.
Meanwhile, the Itanagar Capital Police clarified that permission for the proposed rally had not been denied.
In a statement, the police said APIYO was only requested to defer the programme in view of the prevailing sensitive law and order situation in the capital region and based on credible inputs received by the police.
The police stated that the matter was conveyed to APIYO secretary general Tapor Maying during a meeting held on Monday.
Clarifying its stand, the Capital Police said it has never denied, nor would deny, permission for any lawful rally or dharna conducted peacefully within the framework of law. It added that the request for deferment was made purely as a precautionary measure to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting large gatherings to disturb public order.
