District Magistrate, Itanagar Capital Region, Toko Babu has declared the 24-hour bandh called by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO) as illegal and unlawful, and directed the group to call off the agitation immediately.

The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), follows APIYO President Taro Sonam Liyak’s announcement of a bandh from 5:00 AM on June 5 to 5:00 AM on June 6. APIYO had cited unresolved issues regarding alleged illegal immigrants and illegal mosques.

According to the DM’s order, the Assistant Commissioner cum Executive Magistrate, Itanagar, had already issued sealing notices to alleged illegal mosques/Jama Masjids in the Capital Region on May 28, showing that administrative action was already in progress.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s judgment in CPI (M) vs Bharat Kumar and Others (1997), the order stated that bandh calls by political parties, organisations, associations, groups, or individuals are unconstitutional and illegal.

The administration noted that such shutdowns severely impact daily wage earners, patients, businesses, and the public, and pose risks to law and order. It added that coercive bandh calls violate citizens’ fundamental right to livelihood under Article 21 of the Constitution. The order also recalled past incidents where bandh related activities in the Capital Region caused economic losses and public disorder.

The District Magistrate has directed APIYO President Taro Sonam Liyak to refrain from enforcing the proposed bandh and withdraw it without delay.