Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) on Wednesday rejected the state government’s proposal to constitute a Joint High-Power Committee to examine issues related to alleged illegal structures and illegal immigration, insisting that immediate action be taken instead of forming another committee.

Addressing a press conference in Itanagar, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation was not interested in participating in any committee-based mechanism and urged the government to directly implement measures to address the concerns raised by the organisation.

“We do not want a Joint High-Power Committee, nor do we require assurances from the government. If the government is serious about resolving the issue, it should take direct action and dismantle the alleged illegal structures,” Liyak said.

He stated APIYO had deliberately stayed away from a government-convened meeting in order to remain focused on its demands.

Liyak alleged that despite repeatedly highlighting concerns regarding illegal immigration and seeking filtration of undocumented individuals, it was not included in the proposed committee.

He maintained that merely shutting down the establishments in question would not be sufficient and reiterated the organization’s demand for the lawful dismantling of what it described as illegal constructions.

The organisation also called for a comprehensive verification drive, claiming that some individuals associated with the establishments could be illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, Liyak informed, while questioning whether the government could guarantee that all persons residing in and around the establishments were Indian citizens

Further, he informed that the organisation sought scrutiny of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, labour and employment records, commercial activities and other sectors where it alleged irregularities may exist.

Claiming to possess documentary evidence supporting its concerns, Liyak stated that the materials had already been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office during a meeting held on January 17.

He urged the government to examine the documents and act on the information without further delay.