Itanagar, Jan 21: Normal life was disrupted in parts of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district on Wednesday following a 24-hour bandh called over the alleged illegal construction of two mosques, police officials said. The shutdown, however, remained peaceful.
The bandh was called by the Ziro unit of the ST Bachao Andolan Committee and began at 5 am. Most shops remained closed, vehicular movement was minimal, and attendance in government and private offices was reported to be thin.
Lower Subansiri Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra said no untoward incidents had been reported. He said protesters were cooperating with the district administration and police, and the situation was under control.
Protesters are demanding the demolition of two mosques allegedly under construction at Suluya in Old Ziro and at Pare Ami in Hapoli. Police officials said the constructions were being carried out without proper documentation and were based on deeds of agreement with landowners.
The superintendent of police said the highway passing through Ziro was kept open for commuters, as it serves as a key route for people travelling to Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts.
Officials said students appearing for Class 5, Class 8, and Class 10 state pre-board examinations were allowed to attend their exams despite the bandh.
On Tuesday, the Lower Subansiri deputy commissioner-in-charge, Hage Tarung, issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and declared the bandh illegal.
