[ Marina Dai ]

YINGKIONG, 13 Oct: Yingkiong, the headquarters of Upper Siang district, saw yet another protest rally against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) on Tuesday as people from several villages gathered for a peaceful rally and meeting.

Seemingly bowing to public pressure, the government granted a relaxation of the prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), allowing a peaceful protest against the proposed SUMP to take place. The restrictions had originally been imposed in Yingkiong for 30 days starting October 11.

Organised by the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) and the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA), the protest saw participation from several villages, with the organisations demanding the release of seven people arrested or detained in connection with the SUMP protests, withdrawal of security forces from Siang and Upper Siang, and an immediate halt to the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities.

They also demanded the revocation of suspension and termination orders issued against Gaon Burahs and Buris (GBs), compensation for vehicle owners whose vehicles were allegedly damaged during police and security operations, and reimbursement of medical expenses for injured people.

According to the organisations, seven people have been arrested in connection with the SUMP-related protests. They identified three of them as Taben Tatin, Tagar Mibang, and Tagur Taga, while the other four-Adum Tayom, Okut Paloh, Oson Paron, and Omak Paron-were arrested under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014 (APUAPA), on 9 October.

The administration said FIRs had been registered against people allegedly leading acts of violence and arson, but that such activities had continued. It said the preventive detention orders were issued by the District Magistrate to address activities it considered a threat to public safety and security.

The organisations, however, have demanded the immediate release of all seven people and the withdrawal of cases registered in connection with the SUMP protests.

Upper Siang deputy commissioner-cum-district magistrate Ashok Tajo said the restrictions were intended to maintain peace and public order. He said the situation could develop unpredictably and appealed to the public to maintain peace and tranquility for the development of the district, as he cited a four-month-long unrest in parts of the district.

On the suspension of Gaon Burahs, Tajo said reports of their alleged involvement in violent activities had led to the administrative action.

The Adi Baane Kebang United (ABKU), Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW), and SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner on Tuesday, demanding the release of seven people arrested or detained in connection with the SUMP protests and an immediate halt to the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process.

Furthermore, the three organisations issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the district administration, demanding the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) from Siang and Upper Siang districts, withdrawal of FIRs registered in connection with the protests, and revocation of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs (GBs). They also sought compensation for vehicle owners whose vehicles were allegedly damaged during security operations and reimbursement of medical expenses for injured people.

Protests against the proposed SUMP and its PFR process have been taking place in parts of Siang and Upper Siang districts for the past few months. During Chief Minister Pema Khandu's recent visit to Yingkiong, villagers also staged a protest against the proposed dam and survey activities.

The protest on Tuesday was organised by SAAYA and SIFFYW, with participation from people from several villages, according to the organisers.

"The indigenous people firmly oppose the PFR process and any dam construction on our sacred Mother Siang River. Our land, our identity, our future," SIFFYW general secretary Dubit Siram said.