Pasighat, Oct 22: A 24-hour peaceful sit-in protest against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) began at 2 pm on Wednesday at Miracle Ground in Pasighat, East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Organised by the Organising Committee, Save Siang, Save Indigenous Rights, the protest has brought together project-affected people, members of the indigenous Adi community and concerned citizens opposing the proposed mega dam.
The protesters have put forward four key demands: an immediate halt to all surveys and Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) studies related to the project, unconditional release of detained activists and residents, withdrawal of FIRs against project opponents, and removal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in the Siang belt.
The protesters have also demanded the release of individuals booked under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA).
The East Siang district administration granted permission for the sit-in through an order issued by Officiating Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin, APCS, subject to conditions aimed at maintaining peace and public safety.
Under the conditions, the protest must remain confined to Miracle Ground, with rallies, processions and road marches outside the venue prohibited. Participants have been barred from engaging in violence, intimidation, vandalism, arson, carrying weapons or explosives, and making inflammatory speeches.
The organisers have also been directed to deploy volunteers to assist traffic personnel, ensure emergency access and submit the contact details of designated coordinators to the Executive Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO).
The administration has further instructed the organisers to conclude the demonstration within the approved 24-hour period and ensure that the venue is cleaned afterwards.
The East Siang Superintendent of Police has deployed additional police and traffic personnel to maintain law and order throughout the protest. Authorities have warned that violations of the prescribed conditions would invite legal action.
The post 24-hour sit-in begins in Pasighat against Siang dam project appeared first on Hub News.