07/10/2025
Press Briefing on the Pasighat Township Land Protection Movement
Pasighat Oct 7:- The Bogong Banggo Land Action Committee (BBLAC), under the aegis of the Bogong Banggo Kébang (BBK), convened a press briefing to highlight the Pasighat Township Land Protection Movement — an ongoing initiative to safeguard the ancestral lands, rights, and heritage of the indigenous people of Bogong Banggo.
The movement seeks to:
Protect government-notified land within Pasighat Township from encroachment and illegal occupation.
Review and investigate current and past Land Rules under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Smart City Pasighat Town Planning framework.
Act as a watchdog against unlawful land selling, allotment, and encroachment.
Report all irregularities to competent authorities for legal action.
Ensure representation of BBK/BBLAC members in the District Land Allotment Committee (DLAC).
The Committee has Submitted formal representations to the Minister, Secretary, and Director of Land Management (GoAP), seeking suspension and cross-verification of over 360 land allotment proposals forwarded by the Deputy Commissioner, East Siang.
Forwarded copies of the same to the Deputy Commissioner, Pasighat, for immediate intervention.
As a result of these efforts, the first order for cross-verification of 126 land allotment proposals has been issued, with verification of nearly 200 additional proposals anticipated. The BBLAC has also sought representation in the ongoing verification process.
Historical Context: Pasighat (1911–2025) Since the establishment of Pasighat in 1911, the indigenous Bogong people have voluntarily donated vast tracts of land for the development of public institutions and government infrastructure.
However, over the past few decades, illegal occupation of government-notified lands has become a serious concern.
Key facts: As per notification No. ESR/LR-84/93(B) dated 24 January 1996, no compensation was paid for over 2,500 acres (10.12 sq. km) used to establish the Pasighat Headquarters.
Of the 59.82 acres allotted for the Government Training Centre (GTC), only a small portion remains under actual possession today.
Despite repeated interventions by the Bogong Students’ Union and other community bodies since the 1990s, political interference, migrant non-cooperation, and administrative negligence have led to unchecked land grabbing, which has worsened since the 2000s.
Key Demands of BBLAC
1. Immediate cancellation of all land allotments issued to non-domiciles of East Siang District under the Arunachal Pradesh Land Settlement and Records Rule, 2012.
2. De-recognition of illegitimate domicile certificates within Pasighat Township and nearby villages.
3. Government-led inquiry into all land encroachments in the notified township area.
4. Comprehensive cross-verification of all allotments from 2012 onward.
5. Cancellation of all illegal or unjustified allotments.
6. Suspension or transfer of erring officials involved in land irregularities.
7. Identification, demarcation, and public documentation of all illegally occupied lands.
8. Strict protection of lands already allotted to government departments.
9. No issuance of NOC for new allotments without feasibility and spot verification.
10. Implementation of the 12 November 2002 resolution, reserving 80% of land allotments for the indigenous land donors of Bogong Banggo
The Bogong Banggo Land Action Committee (BBLAC) calls upon the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to act decisively — protecting the sanctity of the law, the rights of indigenous land donors, and ensuring transparent governance under the Smart City Pasighat framework.
The Committee also appeals to the media, civil society, and concerned citizens to support this movement to protect the freely donated ancestral lands for sustainable development and for the benefit of future generations.
For Further Information:
Shri Okom Yosung – Chairman, BBLAC
Shri Jobomchang Mengu – Member Secretary, BBLAC
Bogong Banggo Kébang (BBK), Pasighat, East Siang District
