Staff Reporter 

PASIGHAT, Oct 24: Tensions continued to grip Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh, following violence during protests against the proposed 11,000MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), prompting the police to warn of strict legal action and the district administration to impose prohibitory orders across key areas.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Hibu Tamang, on Saturday appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure that all protests remain peaceful. Addressing a press conference in Pasighat in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Siang district, Tamang warned that additional security forces would be deployed if required and that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
The IGP informed that nine police vehicles had been damaged in connection with the incidents reported during the agitation. He said cases would be registered and appropriate legal provisions invoked against those found responsible, including the organisers of the bandh, in accordance with the law.
The press briefing came a day after violence was reported during a 12-hour bandh observed on October 23 across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. The shutdown was called by organisations opposing the proposed mega-dam project, the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the deployment of security personnel and the arrest of protesters.
The situation reportedly escalated in Pasighat, where incidents of vandalism, arson and damage to property were reported amid the unrest. The unrest further spread to residential properties reportedly owned by Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang as well as  NHPC office. The residences were allegedly targeted by an agitated mob, with reports of vandalism and damage to household belongings and other property.
Pasighat police has reportedly registered separate cases in connection with the incidents of arson and vandalism and initiated investigations to identify those involved.
In a related development, youth leader Otul Jerang  and Adcocate Ebo Mili surrendered at Pasighat Police Station on Saturday in connection with the ongoing Gen Z movement against the proposed SUMP.
Following their surrender, Jerang and Mili reportedly stated that the protesting youths had no role in the recent mob violence in Pasighat. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and calls for accountability over the incidents that occurred during and after the bandh.
Meanwhile, the East Siang district administration has imposed prohibitory orders across Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin to prevent further violence and maintain public order.
The order, issued by District Magistrate Jayanti Pertin under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, came into effect at 5 PM on Saturday, October 24, and will remain in force until further notice.
The restrictions were imposed following a report from the Superintendent of Police indicating an imminent threat to law and order. The administration cited apprehensions of vandalism and arson allegedly linked to the bandh and dharna-related agitation.
Shopkeepers, vendors and business establishments in Pasighat reportedly kept their shutters down on Saturday amid fears of further unrest.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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