Itanagar: Braving torrential rain and unfavourable weather, thousands of protestors poured into the streets of Itanagar on June 16 as the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) led a massive referendum rally demanding urgent action against illegal immigration and the protection of indigenous identity in the state. The march, which began at 10 a.m. from Akashdeep to Raj Bhavan, was joined by students, community-based organisations (CBOs), and NGOs from all corners of Arunachal Pradesh.
Undeterred by the downpour, demonstrators marched with resolve, holding placards and chanting slogans such as “Say NO to Demographic Invasion,” “Protect Our Land, Identity & Future,” and “Save Arunachal from Illegal Immigrants.” The show of strength and unity reflected growing public frustration over what AAPSU calls an ongoing demographic threat to the rights and cultural fabric of indigenous Arunachalees.
The rally was anchored around four specific demands: re-verification and cleansing of the state’s electoral roll, removal of non-APST (non-Arunachalee) voters through a cabinet-approved process, deportation of all illegal immigrants residing in the state, and firm legal and administrative safeguards to preserve the indigenous identity of Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the press, AAPSU President Tana Doji Tara underscored the movement’s deeper intent beyond protest, calling it a “pledge” by the people to protect the state’s native communities. “Neither rain nor thunder can deter our commitment. AAPSU will stand firm to ensure that illegal immigrants, including the Chakma and Hajong communities, are deported, and that electoral rolls are cleansed of double voters and non-APSTs,” Tara declared.
He further demanded a thorough and systematic verification mechanism, including the mandatory submission of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for non-APST individuals seeking to vote in Arunachal Pradesh while retaining voting rights in their original home states.
Echoing this sentiment, AAPSU General Secretary Ritum Tali reiterated that all four demands are rooted in a singular aim—to secure the rights and future of indigenous Arunachalees. He confirmed that the union would be submitting a detailed memorandum to the Governor, Chief Secretary, and Chief Minister, highlighting their demands under the banner “No Amnesty, Just Deportation.”
The rally, marked by discipline and intensity, has sent a strong message to the state and central leadership, reflecting growing unrest and the urgent call for action on the sensitive issue of demographic imbalance in Arunachal Pradesh.
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