NAHARLAGUN, OCT 22:

Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has expressed solidarity with the 12-hour bandh called by the Adi Bane Kebang (U) Youth Wing and collaborating organisations on Friday in East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts over the arrests linked to protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

In a statement issued on Thursday, HRA chairman Dr Kipa Kaha and secretary general Jesy Debia appealed to the state government to review the arrests made under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA) in accordance with the law.

The organisation also called for reconsideration of the suspension of the concerned Gaon Burahs and government employees and urged the government to address concerns raised by communities affected by the proposed mega-dam project.

Acknowledging concerns over ancestral land, the environment, cultural heritage and the interests of future generations, HRA urged the state government to convene a round-table discussion involving affected communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to resolve the issues through peaceful dialogue and democratic means.

The organisation also appealed to civil society groups and concerned citizens across the state to extend peaceful solidarity with the affected communities.

As announced by the bandh organisers, ambulances and emergency medical services, milk vans, police personnel, paramilitary forces and other essential emergency services will be exempted from the bandh.

HRA appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure that emergency services and other essential movements are not obstructed.

The organisation reiterated that public concerns should be addressed through constructive dialogue, respect for constitutional rights and due process of law, stating that a peaceful and democratic resolution was essential to protecting community interests and maintaining harmony in the state.