PASIGHAT, OCT 24:

Anti-dam activists Ebo Milli and Otul Jerang surrendered before the police on Saturday following incidents of violence, arson and vandalism during the 12-hour bandh called against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The two activists, who have been leading opposition to the proposed 11,200-MW hydropower project, said their surrender was intended to urge protesting youths to refrain from violence and maintain peace.

According to Milli, the bandh across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts was called to demand the release of activists detained during earlier anti-dam protests and to protest the alleged use of excessive force by security personnel near Dite-Dime in the Geku area.

Milli claimed that reports of tear gas being used and women sustaining injuries during demonstrations near Geku triggered widespread anger. He alleged that tensions escalated in Pasighat after nightfall, resulting in stone-pelting and confrontations.

He said protest leaders had attempted to persuade demonstrators to stop the violence. Milli also claimed that he rushed to the site after receiving information around 2 am that a police station was being set ablaze, but could not stop the crowd.

Condemning the arson and damage to public property, Milli maintained that he and Jerang did not support violent protests and appealed to the agitating youths to maintain peace.

Reacting to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s remarks on the unrest, Milli alleged that the incidents near Geku should also receive attention alongside the violence reported in Pasighat.