Itanagar, May 14-15:
A 36-hour bandh called by the ST Bachao Andolan Committee over demands related to stricter implementation and digitisation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system brought normal life across the Itanagar Capital Region to a standstill on May 14 and 15, while also triggering one of the largest spontaneous public mobilisations witnessed in recent years.
The organisation’s key demands included stricter enforcement and complete digitisation of the ILP system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, establishment of a stronger monitoring mechanism, curbing the alleged influx of illegal immigrants and infiltrators into Arunachal Pradesh, and safeguarding the rights, identity, and socio-economic interests of the indigenous tribal communities.
The bandh, which began on May 14, received widespread public support as markets, business establishments, and commercial centres across Itanagar and Naharlagun remained shut. Only pharmacies, clinics, and a handful of emergency services operated during the shutdown. Vehicle movement on highways was minimal, largely limited to police vehicles, ambulances, private vehicles carrying emergency patients, and students appearing for examinations.
By the afternoon of the first day, several leaders and members of the ST Bachao Andolan Committee were detained by the administration, including General Secretary Millo Ambo, Chairman Sol Dodum, and spokesperson Tana Tamar. Their detention further intensified public anger and transformed the bandh into a broader protest demanding the immediate release of the leaders.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung was seen visiting market areas along with security personnel, urging shopkeepers to reopen their establishments and defy what he termed an “illegal bandh” that could negatively impact the state’s economy.
Later in the evening, remaining members of the ST Bachao Andolan Committee released a video statement warning the government that a statewide bandh would be called if the detained leaders were not released by 10 PM. They also declared that the 36-hour bandh would continue “with or without the leaders.”
During the night, the detained leaders were reportedly shifted to different districts after medical examinations and legal formalities. According to reports, General Secretary Millo Ambo was taken to Pasighat, while spokesperson Tana Tamar was moved to Tezu. Adviser to the Home Minister Mutchu Mithi had earlier announced that the leaders could be detained for up to 60 days under preventive measures. Chairman Sol Dodum and several other detained members were believed to have been kept within the capital region.
Public Mobilisation Intensifies on Second Day
On the morning of May 15, the second day of the bandh initially witnessed little movement across the capital region. However, as the morning progressed, groups of youths and supporters voluntarily began moving through localities in Itanagar and Naharlagun, urging shopkeepers to close their establishments in support of the movement.
In Naharlagun’s Ward No. 16, volunteers and security personnel deployed under the direction of IMC Mayor Likha Nari Tadar were seen encouraging shopkeepers to keep businesses open. However, public participation in support of the bandh continued to grow rapidly.
By around 10 AM, supporters started gathering at G Extension Junction near Lagoon Bridge, demanding the immediate release of detained leaders Sol Dodum, Millo Ambo, and Tana Tamar. What initially began as a gathering of five to six individuals quickly swelled to 30–40 people and then to nearly 200 within less than an hour.
As the crowd grew, several shops that had remained open also shut down voluntarily. Heavy security deployment followed across Naharlagun to prevent any untoward incident.
At around 11:30 AM, protesters began marching toward Itanagar. By the time the procession reached Papu Nallah, the crowd had reportedly grown to between 400 and 500 people. Protesters comprising youths, elders, and supporters marched together demanding justice and the release of the detained leaders.
Security personnel attempted to stop the advancing crowd near Papu Nallah Police Station, but the protesters pushed through the barricades and continued marching toward the state capital.
Protest Swells Beyond Expectations
As the march progressed toward Itanagar, support for the movement continued to expand dramatically. By the time the protesters reached the 6 Kilo area, the crowd had reportedly crossed a thousand participants.
Realising the growing scale of the mobilisation, the administration moved to ease tensions by releasing ST Bachao Andolan Chairman Sol Dodum around 2 PM. He was escorted to meet supporters at 6 Kilo under heavy security presence and accompanied by AAPSU President Meje Taku, ANSU General Secretary Mai Aram, and other officials.
However, tensions escalated when attempts were made to address the gathering. Sections of the crowd questioned the delayed response of student bodies during the bandh and shouted slogans against the visiting leaders. The situation briefly turned chaotic as stones and water bottles were allegedly thrown, forcing several student leaders to leave the area immediately.
Despite the release of Sol Dodum, protesters refused to disperse and continued their march toward Itanagar, insisting that all detained leaders, including Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar, be released.
Simultaneously, another large group of supporters in Itanagar had already blocked the highway near the old petrol pump in C Sector. Protesters there halted vehicle movement while allowing ambulances, students, and emergency patients to pass.
Massive Gathering at IG Park
By around 4 PM, the marching crowd reached Itanagar, where thousands more supporters had already assembled. According to estimates from those present, the total gathering had crossed 10,000 people.
Faced with unprecedented public mobilisation, the administration reportedly ordered the release of all remaining detained members, including Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar, and initiated arrangements to bring them back to the capital region.
Observers noted that the mobilisation appeared largely spontaneous, with supporters joining voluntarily without any formal organisational mobilisation.
The massive crowd later moved toward IG Park, where protesters gathered while awaiting the arrival of the detained leaders.
However, by around 6:30 PM, tensions again rose near the Civil Secretariat and Bank Tinali areas, where some unruly elements allegedly began pelting stones at vehicles and security personnel.
In response, police launched a lathi charge and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Following the crackdown, many protesters returned to IG Park and continued waiting for the arrival of General Secretary Millo Ambo.
Millo Ambo Addresses Supporters
General Secretary Millo Ambo arrived at IG Park at approximately 7:30 PM and addressed supporters and media personnel.
Thanking the public for their “unwavering support,” Ambo stated that the detained leaders would not have been released without the massive public response witnessed across the capital region.
He further informed that no cases had been registered against any members of the ST Bachao Andolan Committee. While announcing the end of the 36-hour bandh, he clarified that the agitation would continue until the government provides a written assurance regarding their demands over the ILP digitisation issue.
The protest has since emerged as one of the most significant public demonstrations in the capital region in recent times, reflecting widespread concern and emotional public participation surrounding the ILP issue and the protection of indigenous tribal interests in Arunachal Pradesh.
Government Issues Written Assurance
As of May 16, a day after the conclusion of the 36-hour bandh, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh officially issued a written assurance to the AP ST Bachao Andolan regarding the key demands raised by the organisation.
According to the assurance letter issued from the Office of the Home Minister, the state government assured:
Release of all detainees without initiating action under the APUAPA Act
Digitalisation and rectification/modification of existing ILP rules
Steps to void ST status against illegally settled offspring of Tibetan/non-tribals
The government further stated that the issues are being proactively taken up to safeguard the indigenous rights of Arunachal Pradesh and invited the organisation for a detailed discussion with the Hon’ble Home Minister on May 18, 2026.
