Sixty-nine individuals have been arrested and four detained for their role in the violence during protests against a proposed dam on the Siang river. The government-owned power company National Hydroelectric Power Corporation is responsible for its development.
Sixty-nine persons have been arrested under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for their alleged role in the violence that broke out during a protest against a proposed dam on the Siang river. Inspector General of Police Hibu Tamang told Scroll on Tuesday.
On Friday, protesters vandalised and set fire to an office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and a police station in Pasighat after security personnel fired tear gas during the agitation. According to Tamang, 55 cases have been filed in connection with the violence. The arrests and detentions were made in Upper Siang, Siang and East Siang districts under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The homes of Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering, Mariyang-Geku legislator Oni Panyang, and Kaling Moyong, the Bharatiya Janata Party state chief and former Pasighat East MLA were also vandalised during the protests. Additional forces have been deployed in the Siang Valley to maintain order.
Residents of the Siang Valley allege that the government has taken extraordinary measures in the last month to shut down the protests against the proposed dam project, including the detention of activists and the deployment of paramilitary personnel.
Source:
Scroll.in
