Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR : A protest rally demanding the release of executive members of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee turned violent outside the Itanagar Police Station on Friday after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, despite assurances from the state government regarding the release of the detained leaders.

The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, led by its general secretary Millo Ambo, had earlier announced a 36-hour capital bandh from May 14, opposing the recently notified Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026.

The organisation alleged that certain provisions of the guidelines violate the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, and may adversely impact the rights and interests of indigenous communities.

On May 14, police had detained three executive members of the organisation—Millo Ambo, Sol Dodum, and Tana Tamar—in connection with the proposed bandh.

On Friday, a large number of people from across different sections of society participated in a protest rally from Naharlagun to the Itanagar Police Station, demanding the immediate release of the detained leaders.

Subsequently, State Home Minister Mama Natung reportedly directed the release of all detainees and appealed to protesters to withdraw the agitation. However, tension escalated outside the police station despite the assurance and the presence of released detainee Sol Dodum among the protesters.

The situation deteriorated when a section of demonstrators allegedly resorted to stone pelting, prompting security personnel to use tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Reports also indicated incidents of vandalism and burning of vehicles in parts of the state capital.

Following the unrest, Sol Dodum urged protesters to maintain calm and condemned the use of violence in pursuit of their demands.

While Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar were reportedly released, protesters continued to demand public confirmation of their release, insisting that both leaders be presented before the gathering. Sources indicated that their release was delayed as they were lodged in Tezu and Pasighat respectively, and were being brought to Itanagar.

Meanwhile, the state Cabinet has approved the Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2026, which propose the introduction of a digital e-ILP system with QR code-based verification and enhanced monitoring mechanisms across the state.