Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, OCT 24:
The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) on Saturday blamed the state government for the violence in Pasighat over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), demanding the immediate release of all detainees, withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the Siang belt and medical treatment for locals injured in the clashes.
It also called for the early deployment of additional paramilitary forces in the border areas, particularly Taksing in Upper Subansiri district, citing concerns over alleged Chinese troop intrusions.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo held the state government responsible for the violence that erupted in Pasighat on Friday night and continued into Saturday morning.
Nalo alleged that the clash broke out after police fired tear gas at youths protesting against the proposed SUMP. Several protesters and police personnel were reportedly injured in the violence.
During the unrest, protesters allegedly set fire to the NHPC office, a police station and police vehicles. The residences of local MLAs Oni Panyang and Ninong Ering, as well as state BJP president Kaling Moyong, were also reportedly vandalized.
Expressing solidarity with the people and communities of the Siang belt, Nalo said the violence reflected growing resentment over the government’s handling of public concerns surrounding the proposed project.
“When you undermine the sentiment of people of Arunachal Pradesh, this violence is the retaliation you receive,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Pema Khandu appealed to the people of the Siang belt to maintain peace and harmony while condemning the violence. He also invited the people to engage in dialogue over the proposed SUMP rather than resorting to violence.
However, Nalo criticised the chief minister’s appeal, asserting that the government must address the concerns of the affected people if it genuinely wants peace to prevail.
“If Pema Khandu wants peace to be maintained, the state government must release all detainees, withdraw all paramilitary forces from the Siang belt and provide medical treatment to all locals injured in the clashes with police and paramilitary forces,” he said.
Following the violence two prominent anti-dam activists, Ebo Milli and Otul Jerang, surrendered before the police following incidents of violence and arson in Pasighat during a 12-hour bandh called against the proposed SUMP. The bandh was called to protest the project, while the violence and arson were condemned amid growing tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, the East Siang district magistrate issued an order imposing prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 in Pasighat, Ruksin and Mebo following the violence.
On the issue of alleged Chinese Army intrusion in Taksing, Upper Subansiri, Nalo called for the deployment of additional Indian Army personnel in the border areas to strengthen security.
The forum demanded construction of a porter/mule track up to Sera 9 within a month to facilitate access for the Indian defence forces. It also sought insurance coverage for all local porters and proper network connectivity for immediate communication during emergencies.
He also referred to reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur regarding face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Nalo urged the concerned authorities such as the state Chief Minister, Home Minister, local legislators and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to stop denying alleged People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intrusions and take necessary action to address the issue before the situation worsens.
Nalo further warned the state government that the AFTF would launch democratic movements in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) if its demands were not met.
