Itanagar, May 14, 2026: The Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Police on Thursday apprehended five alleged key bandh callers linked to the proposed 36-hour shutdown called in the capital region, officials said.
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| Leaders of the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee address the media during a press conference ahead of the proposed bandh over Inner Line Permit-related issues in Arunachal Pradesh. |
According to Capital Police, the arrests were made as part of efforts to prevent attempts to enforce the bandh announced by the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASBAC), which was scheduled to begin on May 14 over issues related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
In a statement, police said timely intervention by security personnel helped foil attempts to disrupt normal public life in the Itanagar Capital Region.
“Five main bandh callers have been apprehended by ICR Police. Attempts to enforce the bandh call have been foiled,” the statement said.
The identities of those detained have not been officially disclosed so far.
Police authorities appealed to residents to reject the bandh culture and continue maintaining peace, harmony and normalcy across the region.
The statement was issued by SDPO Chera Saban of the Itanagar Capital Police.
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The crackdown comes a day after the Capital Administration declared the proposed bandh illegal and unconstitutional under Section 163 of BNSS and the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014. Authorities had warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to enforce the shutdown through road blockades or disruption of public services.
Security arrangements were intensified across Itanagar and Naharlagun amid concerns that the bandh could affect transportation, markets, educational institutions and essential services.
Further details regarding the arrests and the overall situation are awaited.
