Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung has said that calls for bandhs cannot be considered legal when they interfere with the fundamental rights of others and warned that the law would take its course against those who enforce such shutdowns. Responding to concerns raised by Congress MLA Kumar Waii in the state Assembly, Natung said frequent bandhs disrupt normal life and could discourage companies from operating in Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed that peace is essential for development, noting that some organisations involved in major infrastructure projects, including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd, have kept their offices outside the state due to frequent disruptions. Natung cited provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, which covers bandh enforcement through intimidation or threats, disruption of essential services and damage to property. He also referred to the Arunachal Pradesh Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 2020, which provides for action against property damage and recovery of losses. The minister said the government remains willing to hear the grievances of unions and organisations and resolve legitimate concerns through dialogue. He highlighted recent consultations with groups including the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, ST Bachao Andolan Committee and Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum, which led to the formation of committees on issues including APST certificate re-verification, the Inner Line Permit system and concerns over infiltration. Natung said bandh calls have already declined significantly and appealed to organisations and the public to discourage the practice. Raising the issue, Waii said frequent shutdowns called by unrecognised unions over various demands cause hardship to ordinary citizens and urged the government to address grievances before they escalate into bandh calls.
