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 in the capital region, successfully preventing attempts to disrupt normal life in Itanagar and Naharlagun.
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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 police officials, the action was taken as part of preventive measures against the bandh called by the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASBAC) over issues related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. The shutdown was scheduled to commence on May 14 and had raised concerns about possible disruptions to transportation, markets, educational institutions, and essential public services.
In an official statement, Capital Police said timely intervention by law enforcement agencies helped thwart efforts to enforce the bandh and maintain peace and normalcy across the region.
“Five main bandh callers have been apprehended by ICR Police. Attempts to enforce the bandh call have been foiled,” the statement said.
Authorities have not yet officially disclosed the identities of the detained individuals. Police, however, indicated that further legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.
The statement, issued by SDPO Chera Saban of the Itanagar Capital Police, urged citizens not to support bandh culture and appealed to the public to continue their daily activities without fear.
“We request all residents to maintain peace, harmony, and normalcy and reject any attempts to disrupt public life,” the police statement added.
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The police action comes a day after the Capital Administration declared the proposed bandh illegal and unconstitutional under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014. Authorities had earlier warned that strict legal action would be initiated against individuals attempting to enforce the shutdown through coercion, road blockades, obstruction of public movement, or disruption of essential services.
Security arrangements were significantly strengthened across the Itanagar Capital Region ahead of the proposed bandh. Additional police personnel were deployed at key locations, including markets, transport hubs, government offices, educational institutions, and major road intersections to ensure uninterrupted public services.
Officials stated that the situation remained peaceful throughout the day, with normal activities continuing across Itanagar and Naharlagun. Police authorities said they would continue monitoring the situation closely and take necessary measures to maintain law and order.
Further details regarding the arrests and subsequent legal proceedings are awaited.
