Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh have halted all activities at the Capital Jama Masjid in Naharlagun after an official assessment revealed the mosque has been operating without mandatory legal approvals. The order covers both ongoing construction and religious practices at the site near the Helipad area.
The directive followed an inquiry by the Assistant Commissioner of the Capital Complex, which confirmed the absence of a building permit, development approval and registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Police reports also flagged potential law-and-order concerns arising from the lack of formal documentation for the structure.
Officials said the Jama Masjid has been hosting daily prayers and Quran lessons since 2009. Although a land agreement was signed in August this year, it has not yet been formalised into a recognised land title. The matter escalated after a local group staged a public demonstration, alleging that construction activities were being carried out illegally.
The administration has instructed the management committee to secure all necessary permissions and complete statutory registration before reopening. The decision also comes after a five-day deadline issued by the All Papum Pare Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), which demanded government intervention over what it described as unauthorised development at the site.
The authorities stated that activities may resume only after compliance with legal and regulatory procedures is verified.
