Itanagar, Mar 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), under the leadership of its president Bosiram Siram, has constituted an eight-member Fact-Finding Committee to examine the concerns arising from the ongoing indefinite hunger strike staged by mothers of Ngorlung–Ralung village.
The women protesters are demanding the permanent closure or immediate relocation of the hazardous Ferro Silicon factory operated by Aether Alloys LLP at the Industrial Growth Centre, Niglok in East Siang district. According to the protesters, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh had earlier assured that the factory would be shifted, but the commitment remains unfulfilled.
The Fact-Finding Committee, headed by APCC vice president Yane Dai as chairperson, with Advocate Tami Pangu as vice-chairman and Advocate Daniel Gao as member secretary, visited the protest site and interacted with the protesting mothers. The committee also conducted an on-site inspection of the Ferro Silicon unit to assess the situation firsthand.
The women, many of whom have been on an indefinite fast (since Feb 23) despite deteriorating health conditions, raised serious concerns including: continuous emission of toxic smoke and dust particles affecting respiratory health; increasing cases of asthma, chronic cough, eye irritation, and skin ailments among villagers; pollution of agricultural fields leading to crop damage and reduced productivity; contamination of water sources impacting drinking water and livestock; noise pollution and improper disposal of industrial waste threatening the local ecology; fears of long-term health risks, including cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The protesters stated that their peaceful and democratic agitation is aimed at safeguarding the health, safety, and future of their children and coming generations.
The APCC noted that Ferro Silicon manufacturing is considered a high-risk industrial activity involving high-temperature electric arc furnaces that generate silica dust and hazardous fumes. The process may release particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, and other toxic emissions, along with industrial slag that could contaminate soil and groundwater if not properly managed.
Reiterating its support for the mothers of Ngorlung–Ralung village, the APCC stated that public health and environmental safety must take precedence over industrial profit.
It said the fact-finding committee will submit a comprehensive report to the APCC president after detailed study, documentation, and consultation with stakeholders. Based on its findings, the party said it would take appropriate steps to ensure accountability and protection of public health.
The APCC also urged the State Government to act with urgency and sensitivity, honour its earlier commitments, and address the legitimate concerns of the affected community without further delay.