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Workers were denied entry due to the absence of valid labour permits and related documents.

Sadiya, May 18: A wave of anxiety has swept over labourers from Assam who are trying to travel to Arunachal Pradesh for employment, following the implementation of stricter Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulations and the ongoing protests known as the “ST Bachao Andolan” against these new rules.

Reports indicate that over 100 workers, primarily from the Talap and Dhola regions of Tinsukia district in Assam, were halted in Sadiya on Monday morning while attempting to enter the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to sources, these workers were barred from entry due to the lack of valid labour permits and necessary documentation mandated by the updated ILP regulations.

Dhan Bhakta, a leader from the All Assam Tea Tribe Students’ Union, expressed support for the Arunachal Pradesh government's initiative to regulate labour entry through proper documentation. However, he pointed out inconsistencies in how these regulations are being enforced.

“We fully support this initiative, but it is often the case that residents of Arunachal Pradesh, who themselves breach ILP rules, bring in labourers from Assam. These workers enter the state under their guidance, yet authorities fail to act against those responsible,” Bhakta stated.

He further claimed that many labourers have been entering Arunachal Pradesh for a fee of Rs 50 to Rs 100 per person without the necessary documentation for an extended period.

Additionally, it was noted that undocumented workers often do not receive official support or compensation in the event of workplace accidents or other unfortunate incidents while in Arunachal Pradesh.

“These labourers are forced to seek work outside their home state to support their families. Therefore, a clear and transparent system must be established to ensure their safety,” remarked one of the workers.

Labourers have called on contractors and employers who transport workers to Arunachal Pradesh to ensure that all required documentation is completed prior to their journey.

This situation has emerged amidst rising tensions regarding the newly issued “Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP) Guidelines, 2026.”

Previously, a 36-hour bandh in Itanagar, organized by the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee on May 15, disrupted daily life across the Itanagar Capital Region in protest against the new ILP guidelines.

The committee has claimed that certain aspects of the revised regulations infringe upon the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 and could negatively impact the rights and interests of the indigenous populations of Arunachal Pradesh.