Itanagar, March 17, 2026:
The All Capital Complex Youth Welfare Association (ACCYWA), led by President Byabang Azat Dui and General Secretary Vikas Rava, has submitted a formal representation to the Home Minister on March 17, 2026, seeking reconsideration of the recent order restricting weekly markets in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to a single day, Saturday.
In its appeal, ACCYWA highlighted the severe impact of the restriction on hundreds of small-scale vendors who depend entirely on weekly markets for their livelihood. The association stated that many of those affected include widows and single parents, for whom these markets serve as the only source of income. The sudden limitation, it noted, has disrupted their earnings, pushing several families into financial distress and affecting the welfare of their children.
The representation also raised concerns about vendors who had taken informal loans from local moneylenders to sustain their businesses. With reduced opportunities to operate, many are now unable to repay these debts, increasing their vulnerability to financial pressure and possible harassment.
ACCYWA emphasized that a large proportion of vendors are women who cannot afford permanent commercial spaces due to high rental costs. Weekly markets, the association said, offer an affordable and accessible platform for them to earn a living without significant financial investment.
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| Executive Members of ACCYWA (source: Kipa Kanam) |
The current restriction stems from an order issued on March 6 by the Commissioner (Home), directing weekly markets across Arunachal Pradesh to operate only once a week, with Saturday designated for the ICR region. The move followed demands from organizations such as Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), which has been advocating against illegal structures and the influx of illegal immigrants. APIYO argued that weekly markets could be misused as entry points by outsiders into the state.
Since the order came into effect, local vendors have expressed strong resentment, citing loss of income and growing economic hardship.
ACCYWA has urged the government to either revoke the restriction or introduce alternative measures that balance regulatory concerns with the protection of livelihoods. The situation now awaits the government’s response, which will determine whether a more balanced approach can be adopted to address both security concerns and the economic well-being of local vendors.
