Protesters vandalised the Pasighat homes of Arunachal BJP president Kaling Moyong and MLA Oni Panyang on Saturday after violent protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang dam project left several injured and an NHPC office in flames.
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Angry demonstrators vandalised the Pasighat residences of Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang on Saturday, a day after a bandh against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in East Siang and left an NHPC office in flames.
The attacks on the two leaders’ homes came as anger over the dam continued to build across the Siang belt. Friday’s unrest began after security personnel used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters, who had gathered in defiance of the shutdown’s opponents and the administration alike.
The 12-hour bandh had begun at 5 am across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. Those backing the shutdown opposed the dam project and made two demands: the release of 10 activists who had been arrested, and the withdrawal of security forces stationed in the region.
The first flashpoint came at Dite-Dime in Siang district. Siang superintendent of police Kamdam Sikhom said around 150 to 200 protesters from Geku and Komkar in Upper Siang gathered there at about 7 am. He alleged that they tried to break through police barricades, hurled stones and flouted prohibitory orders, forcing the police to fire tear gas shells.
Another police officer said four women were injured in the clash and taken to hospital.
Protesters painted a different picture of events. They accused the security forces of using excessive force and claimed that several demonstrators were struck by tear gas shells and struggled to breathe. They demanded an independent inquiry into the police action.
Sikhom, however, said the bandh passed off peacefully in the rest of Siang district.
Trouble flared again near Ranaghat Bridge in Mebo, East Siang, where officials said several people were injured and at least seven vehicles were damaged. Sources said a cameraman with a local news channel was hurt when a tear gas shell hit his leg, and two police vehicles were reportedly set on fire.
East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba did not respond to repeated calls seeking his comment. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said the bandh remained peaceful in his district.
Shops and other businesses stayed shut across Siang and Upper Siang and in parts of East Siang, and many residents remained indoors, bringing normal life to a standstill.
Also Read: Arunachal: Pasighat Tense; Police Station, NHPC Office Torched Amid Protests