The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (SCW) has raised serious concerns over the rapid proliferation of bars and nightclubs in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), urging the district administration and police to take strict regulatory and enforcement measures against alleged immoral and illegal activities, particularly those involving adolescent girls.
At a meeting held in Itanagar, a team led by SCW chairperson Taga Yalem Burang met with ICR Deputy Commissioner (DC) Toko Babu to discuss the growing issue. The commission highlighted disturbing reports suggesting that some establishments are operating beyond permitted hours and allegedly engaging underage girls, raising fears of increased drug abuse, sex trafficking, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Panel Calls for Strict Monitoring and Enforcement
The SCW expressed concern that several nightlife venues in the capital are operating without proper oversight or adherence to government regulations. Referring to the DC’s February 11 order, which requires compliance with bar operating hours and age verification through Aadhaar or valid ID, the commission urged authentic and periodic inspections to ensure that all establishments abide by the rules.
In a statement issued on Friday, the commission underscored that “unregulated nightlife culture” poses risks not only to public safety but also to youth welfare and women’s security. The panel urged law enforcement agencies to curb the mushrooming of unlicensed or non-compliant establishments that have become hotspots for illicit activities.
Invoking the Tenancy Act and NDPS Act
The SCW also stressed the need for strict implementation of two critical laws — the Arunachal Pradesh Tenancy Act, 2022 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
It urged district authorities to direct landlords and property owners to monitor tenants’ activities closely and ensure that their premises are not used for drug abuse, illegal gatherings, or immoral activities. The commission recommended joint inspections by the police, excise department, and other enforcement agencies in suspected localities to maintain law and order.
“We cannot allow residential or commercial spaces to be misused for anti-social behavior. There must be accountability and coordination among stakeholders to prevent exploitation and substance abuse,” the commission’s communique stated.
Concerns Over Underage Involvement and Public Health Risks
The SCW expressed grave concern about reports of underage girls being drawn into immoral or exploitative activities, sometimes under coercion or economic pressure. It linked this problem to broader social and public health challenges, including rising drug use and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.
The panel observed that poverty, unemployment, broken family structures, and lack of social safeguards are major factors pushing vulnerable youth into risky environments. These issues, the commission said, require multi-dimensional interventions beyond policing.
Authorities Respond: Enforcement and Long-Term Measures
DC Toko Babu, along with Superintendents of Police (SPs) from Itanagar and Naharlagun, assured the commission that immediate enforcement actions are being carried out against illegal bars and nightclubs. They emphasized, however, that lasting solutions will depend on policy reforms, awareness drives, and research-backed interventions.
The officials pointed out that while crackdowns can curb visible violations, deeper issues such as youth unemployment and urban economic inequality need to be addressed through coordinated government policies.
“Law enforcement alone cannot resolve the social roots of such activities. There is a pressing need for community engagement, youth development, and long-term livelihood programs,” an official said during the meeting.
Call for Rehabilitation and Livelihood Support
Recognizing that punitive measures alone are insufficient, the SCW has urged the state government to introduce a rehabilitation and livelihood policy for individuals rescued from exploitative environments.
The proposed framework should include:
- Psychological counselling for trauma recovery,
- Vocational and skill training for employability,
- Educational opportunities for reintegration, and
- Livelihood support programs to ensure sustainable income.
The commission stressed that rehabilitation must go hand in hand with enforcement to prevent victims from falling back into cycles of exploitation.
“Empowerment and rehabilitation are key to restoring dignity and preventing recurrence. The rescued individuals deserve support, not stigma,” the SCW stated.
A Broader Social Challenge
The discussion in Itanagar reflects a growing concern across several northeastern states, where the expansion of urban nightlife culture has brought both economic opportunities and social challenges. While local entrepreneurs see bars and clubs as drivers of employment and tourism, women’s groups warn that unchecked commercialization of nightlife without safety regulations can exacerbate gender-based exploitation, drug abuse, and crime.
The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Commission’s intervention signals a push toward balancing development with social responsibility — ensuring that modernization does not come at the cost of the safety and well-being of women and youth.
Conclusion
The SCW’s appeal to the Itanagar administration marks a decisive step toward regulating nightlife establishments, safeguarding adolescents, and curbing illegal activities in the state capital. The commission’s recommendations — from strict enforcement to rehabilitation and awareness — outline a comprehensive approach that prioritizes both law enforcement and social welfare.
By urging the collaboration of local authorities, landlords, and community groups, the women’s panel aims to ensure that Itanagar’s growing urban landscape remains safe, accountable, and inclusive for all.
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