Authorities in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh have sealed 15 mosques in the capital, Itanagar, citing construction without proper authorization. The action was taken on Thursday following a campaign by the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organization (APIYO), which alleged that the unauthorized mosques were part of an attempt to alter local demographics.

According to state spokesperson and Education Minister P. D. Sona, the issue was first raised in January 2026 during a meeting between APIYO representatives and Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Following that meeting, the government instructed district authorities to identify structures built without required permits. A subsequent survey found 15 such mosques in Itanagar. Twelve had already undergone legal sealing or evacuation procedures, while the remaining three were reviewed in a June 1 meeting before being sealed.

Sona stated that the administrative action addressed the concerns that had prompted APIYO’s strike call and expressed hope that the group would reconsider future protest decisions on public interest issues.