PASIGHAT, Oct 22: Several Adi community organisations have called a 12-hour bandh in East Siang, Upper Siang and Siang districts on October 23, demanding action on their grievances relating to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleged police and administrative excesses during protests, and other related issues.
The bandh, scheduled from 5 am to 5 pm, follows the expiry of a 24-hour ultimatum submitted to the Upper Siang deputy commissioner at Yingkiong on October 13. In a joint representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, routed through the deputy commissioners of East Siang, Upper Siang and Siang districts, the organisations alleged that their demands had not been fulfilled or satisfactorily addressed.
The organisations said the proposed bandh was intended as a peaceful democratic protest to draw the state government's attention to the grievances of affected communities and seek immediate corrective action.
Their eight-point charter of demands includes the release of 10 persons arrested in connection with the SUMP protests in accordance with law, withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) from the SUMP-affected areas, immediate suspension of SUMP-related pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities pending consideration of public grievances, and appropriate legal action concerning FIRs registered in connection with the protests.
They have also demanded revocation of suspension and termination orders issued against Gaon Burahs and government employees, compensation for private vehicles allegedly damaged during the incidents, and reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by persons reportedly injured during the protests.
The organisations reiterated their position through the slogan “No PFR, No Dam”, maintaining that grievances relating to the proposed project and its associated activities should be addressed before the process proceeds further.
Seeking the Chief Minister's intervention, the signatories have called for an impartial inquiry into the allegations of police and administrative excesses, including alleged property damage and injuries to members of the public. They also sought dialogue between the state government, district administrations and representatives of the affected communities to facilitate an amicable resolution.
The representation further urges the government to review the cases of the arrested persons and ensure that their legal rights are protected. It seeks a review of the suspension and termination orders concerning Gaon Burahs and government employees, with appropriate relief wherever legally justified, along with compensation for verified property damage and reimbursement of documented medical expenses in accordance with law.
The organisers have appealed to the public to maintain peace and exercise restraint, urging participants to refrain from violence, intimidation, forced closure of establishments and unlawful obstruction.
The joint representation has been signed by representatives of the Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU), Adi Bane Kebang United Youth Wing (ABKUYW), SAAYA, SIFFYW and Adi Galo Welfare Society.
The organisations said they remained willing to engage in constructive dialogue with the state government and district administrations to resolve the outstanding issues peacefully and lawfully.