Peaceful Shutdown in Itanagar Amid Protests for Detained Activists
Overview of the Shutdown in Itanagar
A screengrab of capital town Itanagar observing a bandh (Photo: @erbmjha / X)
Itanagar, Nov 4: A 12-hour bandh initiated by the People's Rights Action Committee (PRAC) in the Itanagar Capital Region on Wednesday received a varied response, with many shops and businesses shuttered while government offices remained operational.
The bandh commenced at 5 am, aimed at advocating for the release of individuals detained during the protests on October 23 against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in the districts of Siang, East Siang, and Upper Siang.
According to Capital Superintendent of Police (SP) Jummar Basar, the bandh was being observed without any disturbances, and there were no incidents affecting law and order.
"The bandh is being conducted peacefully, with no reports of law-and-order issues or any untoward incidents thus far," Basar stated.
PRAC's demands encompass the release of those arrested during the October protests, the withdrawal of security forces assigned to the proposed project, the cancellation of suspension orders against gaonburas (village headmen), and the halting of SUMP survey activities.
Law enforcement reported that security measures had been enhanced throughout the capital region to avert any potential incidents. Additional personnel were stationed at critical sites, including the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan, as a precaution.
While government offices continued to function, many shops and commercial establishments complied with the bandh.
SP Nyelam Nega of the Itanagar Capital Region (Naharlagun) also confirmed the peaceful nature of the bandh.
Earlier in the day, approximately 30 protesters attempted to march from Bage Tinali near Nirjuli towards IG Park in Itanagar, but police intervened and dispersed the group, according to Nega.
Despite the bandh, vehicular traffic persisted, although roads in the capital region were mostly empty, as reported by the police.