PASIGHAT, OCT 25:

The East Siang district administration and police have appealed for peace and restraint following incidents of stone-pelting, arson and vandalism in Pasighat on October 23 during protests linked to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Addressing a press briefing here  on Sunday, Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Hibu Tamang, in-charge Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin and Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said the administration had made efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 12-hour bandh through dialogue and coordination with organisations and stakeholders.

The bandh, called by the Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU) and associated groups, sought the release of people arrested in connection with SUMP-related protests, withdrawal of central security forces from the Siang belt and suspension of project-related activities.

Officials said the bandh was called off in Pasighat following discussions with ABKU, the Bogong Banggo Students’ Union, the Legong Banggo Students’ Union and other stakeholders. Normal activities and vehicular movement continued in Pasighat during the bandh, though its impact was reported in parts of Mebo and Ruksin.

According to the officials, a group calling itself “Save Siang, Save Indigenous Rights” had been permitted to hold a sit-in at Miracle Ground from 2 pm on October 22 to 2 pm on October 23. The permission was subject to conditions, including that the protest remain confined to the designated venue and duration.

Officials said that after the permission expired, the group moved to Ranaghat and began a bandh protest that the district administration had declared illegal. Police and magistrates on duty engaged with the protesters and asked them to call off the agitation.

After 5 pm, protesters allegedly blocked the National Highway and announced an indefinite agitation until their demands were met, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving commuters, including people requiring urgent medical attention, stranded.

The officials said magistrates made three announcements asking the gathering to disperse peacefully. However, a section of the crowd allegedly resorted to sustained stone-pelting, injuring a Deputy Superintendent of Police and several other police personnel. Tamang said police exercised restraint and did not resort to a lathi-charge.

According to the administration, the crowd subsequently grew to an estimated 300 to 400 people. Police vehicles were set on fire, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office was burnt, and the police station and ABK office were damaged. The residences of Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Mebo MLA Oni Panyang and state BJP president Kaling Moyong were also allegedly ransacked, causing extensive property damage.

Tamang said peaceful protest and democratic expression must be respected, but violence, damage to property and attacks on public servants could not be justified. He warned that those found involved in unlawful activities would face action under the law.

Pertin said the administration had received prior notice of the proposed protest and bandh and had taken steps to regulate the activities in the interest of public order. While acknowledging the concerns raised by protesters, she said the highway blockade, disruption of public movement and subsequent violence were unacceptable. She also commended the police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for their restraint in handling the situation.

The deputy commissioner urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and refrain from sharing provocative or unverified information about SUMP. She called on parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to guide young people towards responsible conduct and peaceful democratic engagement.

Pertin said concerns over the project should be addressed through meaningful dialogue and established democratic and institutional channels rather than ultimatums or violence. The administration and police reiterated that public safety, protection of property and maintenance of law and order remained priorities. (Source: DIPR)