According to reports by The Arunachal Times and other media outlets, the Arunachal Schedule Tribes Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Arunachal Pradesh government, warning that it may call a 72-hour statewide bandh if its demands are not addressed.
At the centre of the issue is the state’s Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which indigenous groups say is no longer strong enough to protect Arunachal Pradesh from illegal immigration, demographic change, and the alleged misuse of tribal protections.
What is the ILP system and why is ASTBAC protesting?
The Inner Line Permit is a travel document required for Indian citizens from outside Arunachal Pradesh to enter the state. The system originates from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 during British rule and exists in several northeastern states as a mechanism intended to protect indigenous tribal communities, land rights, and local cultures by regulating the entry and stay of outsiders.
For many tribal organisations in Arunachal Pradesh, the ILP is viewed as a critical safeguard for preserving indigenous identity and demographic balance. However, ASTBAC argues that the present system is “porous” and vulnerable to corruption and misuse.
The organisation claims illegal immigrants and non-locals are able to enter or remain in the state through loopholes, weak verification systems, or improperly issued permits.
The current protests can be traced back to an eight-point memorandum submitted by ASTBAC to the Chief Minister in May 2025. According to the memorandum accessed by EastMojo, the organisation described Arunachal Pradesh as a vulnerable tribal-majority state facing pressures from illegal immigration and the alleged misuse of constitutional protections meant for indigenous communities.
The memorandum repeatedly frames the movement as one focused on protecting the “true and genuine tribal” population of Arunachal Pradesh and preserving tribal rights, privileges, identity, land, and political representation. ASTBAC argued that the state remains vulnerable because of continuous influx from neighbouring states and countries.
What are ASTBAC’s main demands?
One of the committee’s most controversial demands is the cancellation and re-issuance of all Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates free of cost. ASTBAC proposed that every new ST certificate should contain a declaration affirming that the holder is genuinely tribal and willing to undergo verification if their identity is questioned.
The organisation argued that “true tribals” would not object to proving their identity and that the burden of proof should fall on individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining tribal status.
The memorandum compared the proposal to India’s demonetisation exercise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that just as old currency was replaced to eliminate fake notes and black money, reissuing ST certificates could help “purify” the system and identify genuine tribal citizens.
ASTBAC has also repeatedly alleged that fake or duplicate ST certificates are being used within the state. The committee has therefore called for complete digitalisation of ST certificates so authorities can electronically verify authenticity at any time.
The organisation additionally demanded the creation of separate departments specifically responsible for scrutinising ST certificates and monitoring the ILP system, arguing that existing administrative offices are overburdened and unable to properly verify documents.
The committee also criticised provisions in the government’s proposed ILP reforms that allow temporary permits to be issued by political authorities and permit extensions for large infrastructure projects.
ASTBAC has further linked the issue to concerns regarding Tibetan refugees and demographic change. The organisation demanded that the government maintain a clear dossier or family records of Tibetan refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh.
They argue that unresolved questions surrounding settlement and identity have implications for indigenous protections and broader geopolitical sensitivities linked to China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
Why are some demands legally controversial?
Several demands in the memorandum are likely to trigger legal and constitutional debate.
ASTBAC proposed special provisions for non-APST women who marry tribal men and permanently settle in Arunachal Pradesh, arguing that such women remain excluded from many protections despite spending their lives in the state.
At the same time, the committee proposed restrictions preventing tribal women married to non-APST spouses from registering property as tribal property. ASTBAC argued that some outsiders indirectly acquire land and wealth in Arunachal Pradesh through marriage arrangements, leading to what it described as a transfer of tribal property and capital outside indigenous communities.
The organisation framed these demands as measures intended to protect tribal land and economic security while also seeking limited legal recognition for non-APST women married into tribal families.
The committee also demanded that non-APST residents should be barred from voting in local body elections, including Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies.
ASTBAC argued that Arunachal Pradesh is fundamentally a tribal-majority state and claimed that participation of non-tribal voters in local governance affects indigenous political control and demographic balance.
These proposals are likely to face constitutional scrutiny if formally pursued.
What has the government done and what happens next?
Following protests and a 36-hour bandh earlier in May, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu reportedly approved measures to strengthen the ILP system.
According to reports, the government plans to introduce a fully digital e-ILP system with QR-code verification and improved monitoring at entry check gates. The government says these measures are intended to modernise and secure the permit system.
However, ASTBAC argues that the proposed reforms still contain major loopholes and require further strengthening.
A bandh organised by the committee in the Itanagar Capital Region reportedly turned violent after clashes broke out between protesters and police. Authorities stated that protesters blocked National Highway-415 and allegedly pelted stones at security personnel, prompting police to use tear gas shells.
ASTBAC chairman Sol Dodum later stated that the violence was avoidable and blamed the situation on the government’s handling of the protests, particularly attempts to forcibly reopen markets during the bandh.
ASTBAC has launched an online petition campaign and says it remains open to talks directly with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, though it declined an invitation for discussions with Home Minister Mama Natung.
If the government fails to address its demands within the seven-day deadline, the organisation says it may proceed with a 72-hour statewide bandh.
The issue highlights a larger debate in Arunachal Pradesh and across parts of Northeast India regarding indigenous identity, migration, constitutional protections, land ownership, political representation, and how states balance security, development, and demographic concerns.
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