Pasighat, 27 October (H.S.): A 24-hour bandh

called by the Gen-Z Pasighat unit in protest against the arrest of people in

connection with the recent anti-dam violence and opposition to the proposed

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) failed to evoke a significant response

in East Siang district on Tuesday, with shops and educational institutions

remaining open amid heavy security deployment.

The situation

in Pasighat remained under control, with security personnel deployed at

sensitive locations to prevent any fresh disturbance following the violence

that rocked the town on October 23.

Normal

commercial activities and educational institutions continued to function,

indicating limited public response to the shutdown call.

The bandh was

called by the Gen-Z Pasighat unit following the arrest of 26 people, including

five juveniles, in connection with the October 23 incidents of arson, vandalism

and damage to public and private property. Police have also detained six others

for questioning, according to reports.

The group is

demanding the release of those arrested and has reiterated its opposition to

the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey for the proposed SUMP, an 11,200-MW

hydropower project planned on the Siang river.

The latest

shutdown call comes amid heightened tensions in the Siang region following the

violence in Pasighat, during which the NHPC office, a police station and

several police vehicles were reportedly attacked or set ablaze. The residences

of two MLAs and the state BJP president were also reportedly vandalised.

The earlier

12-hour bandh on October 23 had been called by the Adi Bane Kebang United

(ABKU), the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA), the Siang Indigenous

Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) and the Adi Galo Welfare Society to press

for the release of arrested activists, withdrawal of central security forces

from the region and suspension of project-related activities.

The East Siang

district administration and police have appealed to residents to maintain peace

and restraint, urging organisations to pursue their grievances through dialogue

and democratic means.

Chief Minister

Pema Khandu has also invited representatives of organisations opposing the

project for discussions, reiterating that public consensus would remain central

to the government's approach to SUMP.

The proposed

project continues to face opposition from sections of local communities over

concerns relating to land, livelihoods, environmental impact and the rights of

indigenous people. Authorities have stepped up security measures in the region

to prevent further violence and maintain public order.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb