A 12-hour shutdown called by the People’s Rights Action Committee (PRAC) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on Wednesday ended peacefully, with no major law and order incidents reported. The shutdown received a mixed response, as shops and commercial establishments remained closed while government offices continued to function and vehicles were seen moving on the roads.
The shutdown was organised to press for the release of people arrested or 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 also demanded the withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas affected by the proposed project and the revocation of suspension orders issued against Gaonburas (village headmen). They further called for an immediate halt to survey activities being carried out for the preparation of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR).
Apart from their opposition-related demands, PRAC also raised several civic and public welfare issues concerning the capital region. These included proper maintenance of roads, improved availability of essential medicines and better ambulance services.
Police said the shutdown remained peaceful throughout the day, with no untoward incidents or major law and order problems reported.
However, around 30 protesters attempted to march from Bage Tinali near Nirjuli towards Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar. Police personnel intervened and dispersed the group before it could proceed further.
“Additional security personnel were deployed at sensitive locations, including the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan, as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident,” a police official said.
Although vehicles continued to ply during the shutdown, roads across the capital region remained largely deserted. Most shops and commercial establishments stayed closed from morning until the shutdown concluded in the evening.
Meanwhile, opposition to the proposed hydropower project continued in other parts of the state. The Adi Galo Welfare Society on Wednesday launched a foot march from Geku in Upper Siang district towards Itanagar to protest against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project planned on the Siang River.
