Call for Judicial Inquiry into Pasighat Violence by ABKU
Demand for Inquiry into October 23 Incident
Protests escalated with police vehicles set ablaze on October 23 (Photo: AT)
Sadiya, Nov 11: The Adi Baane Kebang United (ABKU) has formally requested the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh to initiate an independent judicial investigation into the violent events that transpired on October 23 in Pasighat. They allege that security forces deployed tear gas and stun grenades against demonstrators who were peacefully protesting at Raneghat.
In a memorandum presented to the Governor on Tuesday, the organization has given the state government a deadline of 14 days to take action against the police officers and magistrate present during the incident.
“Should there be no action within this timeframe, we will commence a democratic movement in collaboration with other organizations,” the memorandum warned.
The ABKU claims that a group of young protesters, who had been engaged in a 24-hour sit-in, were peacefully gathered near Raneghat Tiniali after the protest concluded when security forces allegedly attacked them with tear gas and stun grenades.
According to the organization, several individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to BPM Hospital in Pasighat.
Furthermore, the ABKU contends that the violence that erupted in Pasighat, which included damage to the NHPC office, police station, and other properties, was a direct result of the police's actions against the protesters.
“While we do not condone violence and firmly denounce it, the abrupt crackdown by police on peaceful protesters was unwarranted and unjustifiable,” the memorandum stated.
This demand from the ABKU arises amidst ongoing protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), which has faced significant opposition from various factions within the Adi community and other local groups.
The ABKU also mentioned a planned 12-hour bandh on October 23 across the East Siang, Siang, and Upper Siang districts.
According to their memorandum, the bandh in East Siang was called off a day prior to the scheduled date due to a threatening voice message that circulated on social media, warning shopkeepers in Pasighat against opening their businesses.
The organization identified the individual allegedly responsible for the message as Makyar Lego and stated that the recording has been included as an annexure.
However, the bandh in Siang and Upper Siang proceeded as planned and concluded peacefully at 5 PM on October 23, as per the memorandum.
The ABKU's latest demands contribute to the escalating tensions surrounding the SUMP, with various organizations in the region continuing to express concerns regarding the project's potential effects on local communities.
The memorandum was signed by ABKU president Dijhi Tamuk, general secretary Jirbo Jamoh, and vice-president Oyin Moyong.