Senior BJP leader Likha Maaj has termed bandh culture a “curse for development” while extending support to the demand for strict implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system raised by the ST Bachao Andolan Committee in Arunachal Pradesh. In a statement issued on May 14, Maaj said the demand for proper enforcement of the ILP system was genuine and important for protecting the rights and interests of the indigenous people of the state. However, he criticised the committee’s decision to call a 36-hour bandh at short notice. The BJP leader said shutdowns and bandh calls create difficulties for ordinary people and negatively affect daily life, especially for daily wage earners and small business owners who depend on regular work for income.
He also pointed out that bandh culture had already been declared illegal by the Supreme Court and said such protests often cause unnecessary hardship to the public. While supporting the concerns raised over ILP implementation, Maaj questioned the demand seeking the resignation of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. He alleged that the inclusion of such a demand suggested there could be political motives behind the agitation. According to Maaj, the Home Department is the main authority responsible for matters related to the implementation and regulation of the Inner Line Permit system in the state. The BJP leader also highlighted what he described as the developmental work carried out by the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh over the last 10 years under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
He said the government remained committed to protecting indigenous communities and assured that strict action would be taken against illegal immigrants staying in the state. Maaj further stated that the BJP government would continue efforts towards digitalisation of the ILP system in line with the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873, which provides special safeguards for the indigenous population of Arunachal Pradesh.
