Correspondent

PASIGHAT, 24 Oct: A tense situation prevailed in Pasighat town and adjoining areas in East Siang district following incidents of arson and vandalism targeting police vehicles, public and private offices and residential houses by anti-dam protesters.

The incidents occurred on Friday night after the 12-hour bandh had ended. A large group of Gen-Z protesters decided to continue their protest until the state government responds to their demands on the SUMP issue.

To deal with the situation, the district administration deployed a large number of security forces, who fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters. Enraged by the police action, the agitators clashed with on-duty security personnel that left five police personnel and several protesters injured.

The protesters initially torched six police vehicles near the Raneghat Bridge and set ablaze the NHPC's office in Pasighat. Later, they rushed to the Adi Bane Kebang's (ABK) office near the Pasighat airport, entered its office rooms by breaking doors, and vandalised all office items and assets, besides burning files and documents of different wings (of the kebang).

The protesters later gathered at the Pasighat police station and broke a portion of the boundary wall. They also set fire to some seized vehicles kept in the police station premises.

The protesters then proceeded to the residential houses owned by state BJP president Kaling Moyong, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang. The angry youths ransacked several structures and damaged valuable household properties in the leaders' houses.

The agitators' anger reportedly stemmed from the fact that the leaders are actively supporting the proposed mega dam over the Siang River and trying to persuade innocent villagers to support it.

Condemning the violent activities of the protesters, Ering said the youths trespassed into his house, ransacked household assets, and looted cash and other valuables.

The Pasighat police have apprehended five youths allegedly involved in the house-vandalism and robbery, and detained them for interrogation.

Businesses and shops in Pasighat town remained closed on Saturday in the wake of the violent incidents. However, vehicular movement in and around the township remained unaffected.

Meanwhile, the East Siang district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in Pasighat headquarters and Mebo and Ruksin towns following the incidents of arson and vandalism by anti-dam protesters.

East District Magistrate Jayanti Pertin, invoking section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, issued an order, banning unlawful assembly and group movement.

Under the order, assembly of more than five persons, public meetings, processions and gatherings have been prohibited in the notified areas effective from 5 pm of 24 October.

The order strictly prohibits any act of vandalism, damage to public or private property, intimidation, violence, or other unlawful activities likely to disturb public peace.

Carrying of lethal weapons, including arms and ammunition, daos, bows and arrows, daggers, knives, axe, hatchets and lathis, has also been strictly prohibited, except for those authorised for use by the security forces on law and order duty.

No procession, rally, march, meeting or similar activity will be allowed without prior permission and written approval from the competent authority.

"No person or group shall engage in any act that is likely to provoke violence, create public disorder, or endanger human life or property," the order said.

The district administration warned that violation of the order will be viewed seriously, and that penal action will be initiated under appropriate sections of the law.

The SP and the executive magistrates have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Eastern Range, Hibu Tamang on Saturday stated that whoever is responsible for the violence that occurred here in East Siang district on Friday evening will be dealt with under appropriate sections of the law.

Addressing a press conference along with the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police here on Saturday, the IGP warned the protestors that the law cannot be scared away by any means.

"Whoever is responsible for yesterday's violence, we will take stern action under appropriate sections of the law. A case will be registered and investigation will be carried out. You cannot hold the law to ransom. We will not let anyone take the law into their own hands," Tamang stated, and appealed to community leaders and youths to maintain peace and resolve the issue through peaceful dialogue.

Cong blames govt for unrest in Siang valley

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram blamed the state government for the unrest in the Siang valley, calling it a “state government-induced” violence against innocent villagers.

Speaking to this daily in Pasighat on Saturday, Siram said that the Pema Khandu-led government is creating undue tension in the Siang valley by deploying massive armed forces. He said the government is forcibly pursuing local villagers to support the pre-feasibility report survey for the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Speaking on the violent incidents during an anti-dam protest on Friday, Siram alleged that the state government is misusing the state police and armed forces to harass innocent villagers who are raising their voice to protect their ancestral land and natural resources.

He condemned the police action over women and youth protesters, saying that police brutality was responsible for the escalating anger of the protesters.

"As far as I know, Adi communities living in the Siang belt are peace-loving and they have never resorted to any violence in the past," Siram said, and urged the government to stop bullying innocent villagers and enraging them.

He criticised the role of the chief minister, MP Tapir Gao, minister Ojing Tasing and MLAs representing the Siang belt, alleging that they are supporting the controversial mega dam project for their own benefits while ignoring the greater interest of the local people.

"They are misleading the people, portraying the SUMP as a national security project designed to regulate excess water released from dams in China," Siram said.

He alleged that the chief minister and his team are pursuing the dam construction as a matter of "personal ego," while all sections of Adi people are boycotting it, terming it anti-people.

Siram, a native of Pasighat, questioned why the prime minister and other union ministers do not come to the Siang valley and explain to the local people the importance of the proposed hydropower dam, which has been declared a national project.

The former education minister further alleged that the MP and local MLAs are trying to suppress the voice of the local people instead of raising it on the floor of the Assembly and the Parliament, thereby betraying their own people.

"Such betrayal by the elected leaders cannot be accepted by the citizens at any cost. The chief minister and other state leaders should change their approach to the project and address grievances of the local people," he opined.

Khandu appeals for peace

Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, arson, looting and damage to properties in Pasighat during protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

A mob torched an NHPC office and a police station and vandalised the residences of three political leaders, including that of the state BJP chief, in East Siang district on Friday night, a senior officer said.

Several police personnel were injured after protesters allegedly hurled stones at them in Pasighat, he said.

The agitators vandalised the residences of BJP state unit president and former MLA Kaling Moyong and Pasighat West legislator Ninong Ering. The house of MLA Oni Panyang was also ransacked.

The chief minister said the right to peaceful protest is an essential part of democracy but it is important that demonstrations remain within the bounds of the law and do not result in damage to properties or disruption of public order.

He said the incidents in Pasighat were regrettable, and called upon all sections of society to maintain peace.

According to a statement issued by the chief minister's office, Khandu said the 12-hour bandh in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts over the power project remained largely peaceful on Friday. But violence erupted in Pasighat after the bandh ended, and continued till 3:30 am on Saturday.

"The residences of MLA Oni Panyang and senior MLA Ninong Ering were vandalised, with reports of looting and theft. The residence of state BJP president Kaling Moyong was also ransacked," he said.

On the concerns surrounding the power project, Khandu reiterated that the state government remains open to discussions with all organisations and associations.

The government is willing to engage in a detailed exchange of views on the project, including its potential benefits, possible adverse impacts, and the concerns and apprehensions expressed by local communities.

"The government's doors are always open. Any organisation or association that wants to discuss the SUMP is welcome. People should question the government, discuss the possible benefits and negative aspects of the project, and seek clarification on their concerns," he said.

Khandu said the government has undertaken outreach efforts and invited stakeholders to participate in meetings.

He encouraged organisations to make use of these opportunities to present their views and seek clarifications through direct engagement.

He offered a meeting with representatives of organisations from the Siang region in Itanagar or Pasighat, or at any other location convenient to them.

The CM also said that he, accompanied by officials of the departments concerned, is willing to visit a place proposed by the stakeholders to discuss the project.

Reiterating the government's position on the project, the chief minister said public consensus would remain central.

He urged organisations and community representatives to participate in roundtable discussions to address concerns, clarify doubts and facilitate a better understanding of the project.

Khandu said differences of opinion should be addressed through dialogue and democratic processes, rather than actions that could affect public safety and law and order. (With PTI input)