[ Marina Dai ]
ITANAGAR, 22 May: Protests erupted across Dibang Valley district on Friday against the police and the administration, following alleged assault on farmers carrying out controlled burning for clearing jungles for jhum cultivation, a traditional farming practice that has been followed by local communities for generations.
Members of several community organisations, student unions and local residents held the protest, demanding an impartial inquiry into the incident and action against the erring officials.
Locals said three farmers who were working in their jhum fields were allegedly beaten by police personnel after Circle Officer Dr Tadang Rai visited the area following a verbal complaint about forest burning.
The farmers alleged that they were beaten up by Sub-Inspector (SG) Chote Lal Sahani and his police team from the Anini police station.
The organisations – Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society, All Idu Mishmi Students’ Union, Dibang Valley Students’ Union, Women’s Welfare Society, Kongo Youth Association, Gipulin Welfare Society, All Idu Mishmi Youth Association and Hope Defencengo – lodged a complaint with the Dibang Valley DC, alleging police assault and misuse of power and authority.
The complainants demanded a fair and independent departmental inquiry against the CO and the SI and filing of a chargesheet within three days. The organisations also demanded that both officials be suspended immediately to facilitate a free, fair and impartial investigation.
In the complaint letter, the organisations alleged that Jamoh Mihu, an elderly citizen, was severely beaten up while carrying out traditional jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation.
“The alleged concern raised by the authorities was related to fire; however, the manner in which the officials acted raises grave concerns regarding legality, procedure, and abuse of power,” the letter read.
The organisations claimed that there was no official notification, written communication, or public announcement issued to the village authorities, including the GBs, gram panchayat members, or the local community, regarding any restriction or prohibition concerning jhum burning. They alleged that, instead of approaching the matter through lawful communication, awareness, or preventive measures, police personnel resorted to physical violence and brutally assaulted Mihu without justification.
The organisations argued that if fire hazard was the main concern, the officials should have brought the fire brigade or disaster response personnel.
“Instead, only police personnel were deployed, resulting in violence rather than prevention,” the letter read.
They said such actions amount to police brutality, misuse of authority, abuse of power, and violation of human rights and dignity.
“No citizen should be subjected to violence without due process, especially when following a traditional livelihood practice, without prior notice from authorities,” they said.
Jamoh Mihu, one of the farmers who were allegedly beaten up, reportedly filed a complaint at the Anini police station over the alleged assault during the jhum cultivation season.
The complaint was filed against Circle Officer Dr Rai and SI Sahani, alleging intimidation, unlawful detention, and police assault.
Medical reports and photographs of the injuries were also reportedly submitted along with the complaint.
Ajoh Mihu, daughter of Jamoh Mihu, said the case has not yet been formally registered. Meanwhile, a counter FIR has reportedly been filed by the circle officer.
