ITANAGAR, Aug 7: In a strongly worded appeal to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the indigenous rights organization Save Arunachal Save Indigenous (SASI) has demanded urgent measures to curb the alleged influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from neighbouring Assam. The appeal was formally submitted to the Home Minister in a 4-point representation and supported by a detailed memorandum citing rising security and demographic concerns.
Addressing a press conference today, SASI Chairman Adv. Romjir Rakshap expressed grave concern over what he termed as “unchecked entry of suspected illegal immigrants, especially from the Mia Muslim community.” He warned that the porous Assam-Arunachal border and loopholes in the existing Inner Line Permit (ILP) system are enabling outsiders to enter the state illegally, posing a long-term threat to indigenous identity and resources.
Key Demands by SASI:
Immediate halt in issuing ILPs to suspected illegal immigrants, especially those from Assam.
Revocation of the recent lifting of the ban on weekly markets, which they claim is being misused by outsiders to settle in the state.
Strict ILP enforcement, including 24×7 checks at entry points and surprise verifications across districts.
Public advisory and toll-free number to report ILP violators and illegal immigrants.
SASI cited the Mia Bagaao Andolan in Assam and praised the measures taken by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to evict illegal settlers and protect indigenous land rights. “We must learn from the mistakes of Assam and Tripura, where demographic imbalance has led to existential threats for indigenous communities,” said Rakshap.
He further alleged that many of the evicted settlers from Assam are now entering Arunachal Pradesh, posing as labourers, domestic workers, or market vendors. “Once they enter our land, they do not return. They exploit loopholes in the ILP system, and the state has become a dumping ground for illegal immigrants,” he added.
The memorandum also called for mandatory submission of multiple identity proofs—including PAN, Aadhaar, and Voter ID—while applying for ILP, and demanded verification of sponsors by phone to prevent misuse.
“Our Demography Is at Risk”
Highlighting fears of being outnumbered, SASI’s leadership warned that unless decisive action is taken now, the very existence of Arunachal’s indigenous communities will be endangered. “We are not against any religion or community, but against illegal immigration that threatens our security, resources, and cultural identity,” the Chairman clarified.
SASI concluded its statement with a warning that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 will lose its effectiveness unless properly enforced with updated measures to meet the current challenges.
