Protesters ransack homes of Arunachal MLAs over Siang dam project
- Residences of three legislators and the state BJP chief were ransacked.
- Protesters targeted an NHPC office, a police station, and a tribal council complex.
- The 12-hour shutdown was called to oppose the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
- Protesters demand the release of 10 activists and the withdrawal of survey activities.
- Authorities imposed Section 163 in Pasighat following the overnight violence.
Anti-dam protesters in Pasighat ransacked the homes of several legislators during the unrest, and incidents of vandalism continued until around 3.30 am on Saturday. The residences of Pasighat West Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ninong Ering, Mariyang-Geku legislator Oni Panyang, and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Kaling Moyong were targeted during the unrest.
Protesters also damaged an office belonging to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. The office of the Adi Baane Kebang, an apex tribal body, and a local police station also sustained damage during the violence.
This unrest stems from opposition to the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a major infrastructure plan in the region.
Police response and clashes during the 12-hour shutdown
The 12-hour shutdown turned violent on Friday after police fired tear gas at protesters who were demanding the release of ten activists arrested earlier this month. Following the use of tear gas, demonstrators vandalized and set fire to a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation office and a local police station.
While the buildings were not entirely destroyed, vehicles on the premises were torched and the police station was struck by stones. Police personnel sustained injuries during these stone-pelting incidents in Pasighat and other parts of East Siang district.
In Dite-Dime, near Geku, at least five women were injured during clashes between security forces and protesters on Friday. Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom said that tear gas was deployed to disperse approximately 150 to 200 protesters from Upper Siang district.
These individuals were carrying machetes, lathis (bamboo sticks), and slingshots while throwing stones at security forces, according to Sikom. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the violence that occurred in Pasighat following the shutdown.
Protesters' demands versus government project justification
The shutdown was jointly organized by the Adi Baane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing, and the Adi Galo Welfare Society. Protesters are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists and the reinstatement of suspended village headmen.
The groups also seek the withdrawal of pre-feasibility survey activities for the 12,500-megawatt Siang river dam and the removal of paramilitary and central forces. The state government maintains that work is currently limited to technical and environmental surveys to prepare a report assessing the project's viability.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated on October 11 that villagers had been misinformed about the pre-feasibility report stage. He added that those disrupting law and order would be dealt with according to the law.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu and political reactions
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on October 24 that in a democracy everyone has rights, but protesting has limits and declaring a bandh is not a solution. He invited civil society groups to discuss the project and plans to visit Siang once the pre-feasibility report is completed.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress condemned the violence and demanded an independent inquiry into the alleged use of tear-gas shells against protesters during the shutdown.
Section 163 imposed and surrender of protest leaders
The Pasighat administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on October 24, banning the assembly of four or more persons.
On the same afternoon, advocate Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered at the Pasighat police station. They stated that youth protesters had no role in the mob violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google