Itanagar, Jun 4: The district administration of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on Thursday sealed three Jama Masjids/Mosques located at Itanagar’s C-Sector, Ganga, and Gohpur for allegedly operating without the mandatory statutory approvals and clearances.
Confirming the development, ICR Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu said the action was taken after a detailed verification process initiated following a memorandum submitted by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO) on January 13, 2026. The organization had alleged that several mosques in the Capital Region were functioning without obtaining the necessary permissions from the competent authorities.
In an official report submitted to the Principal Secretary of the Home Department, the Deputy Commissioner said following the complaint, the administration initiated a verification process and directed the management committees and religious functionaries of identified institutions to produce documents relating to registration of the institutions, land ownership records, building permits, and other statutory clearances required for lawful establishment and operation.
Subsequently, the Assistant Commissioner of Itanagar, Tamo Dada, issued a formal order on January 30 directing the authorities of the concerned mosques to furnish all relevant documents within a stipulated period. However, the administration stated that the institutions failed to submit satisfactory records demonstrating compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
After completion of the verification process, the administration issued a notice on May 28 last directing the concerned mosques to obtain registration from the competent authority, secure building permits and other mandatory clearances, and immediately suspend all ongoing construction and religious activities until compliance was achieved.
The notice also warned that failure to comply with the directions within the prescribed timeframe would result in the sealing of the institutions without further notice.
Officials said upon expiry of the deadline, the administration found that the directions had not been complied with despite being given sufficient opportunity. Consequently, on June 4, the Assistant Commissioner, accompanied by police personnel, carried out the sealing operation following due administrative procedures.
“The action was taken after due verification and in accordance with the law,” Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu stated.
According to the administration, the operation was conducted peacefully and no law-and-order issues were reported during the exercise. Adequate security arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth execution of the action.
Official reports indicate that the matter has been communicated to the state Home Department along with supporting documents and photographs for further necessary action.
The administration reiterated that all institutions operating within the Capital Region are required to comply with applicable legal provisions, including registration requirements, land and building regulations, and other statutory norms.