KUALA LUMPUR - A 12-hour shutdown enforced by three youth groups pressing for the removal of undocumented migrants brought daily activities in the Itanagar Capital Region of Arunachal Pradesh to a halt on Tuesday.

The Itanagar Capital Region covers India capital, Itanagar, together with Naharlagun and nearby satellite localities, The Hindu reported

The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation, the Indigenous Youth Force of Arunachal, and the All Naharlagun Youth Organisation had also insisted on a crackdown against those responsible for unauthorised religious sites within the area.

Their demands included a renewed push to expel illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Rohingya communities.

Public transport was largely absent from the roads while most shops kept their shutters down throughout the day.

The district administration had earlier declared the shutdown illegal and unlawful, citing a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits bandhs called by private organisations.

Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) Deputy Inspector General of Police Tumme Amo said 31 individuals were taken into custody across Itanagar, Naharlagun, and Nirjuli as a preventive step.

“Adequate security personnel were deployed across the capital region to maintain order,” he said.

India Home Minister Mama Natung warned that such shutdowns were counter-productive, particularly with local elections scheduled for 15 December.

“The shutdown could have been avoided, especially because the government is always open to dialogue on all demands by all organisations.

“Necessary action will be taken against any illegal construction, whether it is a mosque, temple, or church,” he said.