Arunachal capital shutdown evokes mixed response; offices function, shops remain closed

Itanagar, Nov 4 (IANS) A 12-hour shutdown called by the People's Rights Action Committee (PRAC) in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on Wednesday evoked a mixed response, with government offices functioning, shops and commercial establishments remaining closed, and vehicular movement continuing amid tight security arrangements.  

“The shutdown was peaceful. There was no report of any law-and-order problem or untoward incident,” a police official said. The shutdown, which began on Wednesday morning and ended in the evening, was called to demand the release of people detained in connection with the October 23 protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts.

The protesters are also demanding the withdrawal of security forces deployed in the project areas, revocation of suspension orders against ‘Gaonburas’ (village headmen), and suspension of survey activities to prepare the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the proposed project.

PRAC has also raised several public welfare issues, including proper maintenance of roads in the ICR, availability of essential medicines and improvement of ambulance services.

Police said additional security personnel had been deployed at sensitive locations, including the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan, as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

A police official of the Itanagar Capital Region (Naharlagun) said the shutdown remained peaceful. Around 30 protesters attempted to march from Bage Tinali near Nirjuli towards Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, but police personnel dispersed them, he said.

Although vehicles continued to ply, roads across the capital region remained largely deserted, police added.

Meanwhile, the Adi Galo Welfare Society began a foot march from Geku in Upper Siang district towards Itanagar on Wednesday to protest against the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a mega-dam planned on the Siang River.

The marchers are demanding the immediate withdrawal of paramilitary and Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed in villages affected by the proposed project. They are also seeking the lawful and unconditional release of people arrested or detained in connection with recent anti-dam protests and clashes.

The protests come amid growing opposition in parts of Arunachal Pradesh to the proposed hydropower project and the deployment of security personnel in the affected areas.

--IANS

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