The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) launches ‘Operation Clean Drive’ to identify and remove alleged illegal immigrants
A Student-Led Crusade: The Launch of Operation Clean Drive
On May 27, 2025, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) announced the launch of a statewide campaign titled Operation Clean Drive. The initiative, spanning 30 days, aims to identify and report individuals residing in Arunachal Pradesh without valid documentation particularly focusing on alleged Bangladeshi immigrants and members of the Chakma-Hajong communities.
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At a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club, AAPSU General Secretary Ritum Tali emphasized that the campaign aligns with a recent directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which mandates all states and Union Territories to verify the credentials of individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The student body has vowed to conduct peaceful rallies, verification drives, and public awareness campaigns across all districts. A memorandum has also been submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, urging the state government to act decisively on the issue. “This is not just about legality, it’s about protecting the cultural and demographic identity of Arunachal Pradesh,” Tali stated.
A Complex Web: Refugees, Rights, and Regional Tensions
The Chakma and Hajong communities, originally displaced from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in the 1960s, have long resided in parts of Arunachal Pradesh. While many have sought Indian citizenship and legal recognition, their presence remains a deeply polarizing issue. AAPSU argues that their growing population threatens the political and cultural rights of indigenous tribes, especially in districts like Namsai, Lohit, and Lower Dibang Valley.
The student union has also raised concerns about the inclusion of non-locals in electoral rolls, alleging that illegal immigrants have acquired voting rights and government documents without legitimate settlement or economic engagement. “This is a demographic time bomb,” Tali warned, calling for a time-bound mechanism for deportation or area confinement of undocumented settlers.
However, human rights advocates and members of the Chakma-Hajong communities have pushed back, asserting their legal right to reside in the state and accusing AAPSU of targeting vulnerable populations. The issue has thus become a flashpoint of legal, humanitarian, and constitutional debate.
Between Law and Order: Government Response and Public Sentiment
The Arunachal Pradesh government now finds itself walking a tightrope. While the MHA directive provides a legal framework for verification, the state must ensure that the process does not devolve into vigilantism or communal unrest. AAPSU has pledged to act within the law, but the emotional charge surrounding the issue has raised concerns about potential flare-ups.
To manage the situation, the government is reportedly drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for district administrations to conduct verification drives in coordination with student unions and law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Arunachal Police have been instructed to monitor social media for misinformation and inflammatory content.
Public sentiment remains divided. While many indigenous residents support the drive as a necessary step to preserve their identity, others fear it could lead to harassment and social instability. The campaign has also drawn attention from national political parties, with some accusing the ruling BJP of tacitly endorsing the movement to consolidate its voter base.
Final Thoughts:
Operation Clean Drive is more than a student-led campaign, it’s a mirror reflecting the complex interplay of identity, legality, and governance in India’s Northeast. As Arunachal Pradesh navigates this sensitive terrain, the challenge will be to uphold the rule of law while safeguarding the dignity and rights of all communities.
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