Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) continued in Yingkiong, the headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, on Tuesday, as residents from several villages gathered for a peaceful rally and meeting demanding the release of detained protesters and the withdrawal of security forces from the region.
The district administration relaxed prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), allowing the protest to take place. The restrictions had initially been imposed in Yingkiong for 30 days from October 11.
The protest was organised by the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) and the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA). The organisations reiterated their opposition to the proposed project and its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities, demanding an immediate halt to the process.
A major demand was the release of seven people arrested or detained in connection with the SUMP-related protests. The organisations identified three of them as Taben Tatin, Tagar Mibang and Tagur Taga. The other four, Adum Tayom, Okut Paloh, Oson Paron and Omak Paron, were reportedly arrested under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, on October 9.
The protesters also demanded the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel from Siang and Upper Siang districts, the withdrawal of FIRs registered in connection with the protests, and the revocation of suspension and termination orders issued against Gaon Burahs and Buris (GBs). They further sought compensation for vehicle owners whose vehicles were allegedly damaged during police and security operations and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by injured people.
On Tuesday, the Adi Baane Kebang United (ABKU), SIFFYW and SAAYA submitted a memorandum to Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Ashok Tajo, pressing for the release of the seven individuals and an immediate suspension of the PFR process.
The three organisations also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the district administration, seeking the withdrawal of CAPF personnel, the cancellation of cases registered in connection with the protests and the revocation of administrative orders against the village-level functionaries.
The district administration, meanwhile, maintained that the restrictions had been imposed to safeguard public order and security. It said FIRs had been registered against individuals allegedly involved in leading acts of violence and arson, and that such activities had continued. According to the administration, the preventive detention orders were issued by the District Magistrate to address activities considered a threat to public safety.
Tajo said the restrictions were intended to maintain peace and public order. He cautioned that the situation could develop unpredictably and appealed to residents to maintain peace and tranquillity for the development of the district. He also referred to unrest that had continued for around four months in parts of the district.
On the suspension of Gaon Burahs, Tajo said administrative action had been taken following reports of their alleged involvement in violent activities.
The proposed SUMP and its associated survey and PFR activities have faced sustained opposition in parts of Siang and Upper Siang districts over the past several months. During Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s recent visit to Yingkiong, villagers also staged a protest against the proposed project and the survey activities.
Tuesday’s rally highlighted the continuing differences between the project opponents and the administration, with protesters maintaining their demands for the withdrawal of security forces, the release of those detained and a halt to the ongoing PFR process.