Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Nov 4: The 12-hour bandh called by the People's Rights Action Committee (PRAC) in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on Wednesday passed off peacefully, with normal life partially affected, as shops and commercial establishments remained largely closed.
The shutdown, observed from 5 am to 5 pm, was called to press for the release of people detained in connection with protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), besides demands relating to healthcare and road infrastructure.
PRAC chairman Takam Sonia said the committee had decided to call off the bandh following communication from the state government expressing willingness to hold discussions on its demands. A meeting with government representatives is scheduled for November 5, he said.
On the demand for release of the SUMP-related detainees, Sonia said the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) had received an official proposal from the government for dialogue. He said PRAC, as a supporting organisation, had no objection to the proposed talks and would discuss the matter with SIFF. However, he added that the committee would continue to stand with SIFF if the dialogue failed to resolve the issue and the detainees were not released.
The committee has also sought discussions with the government on its other demands concerning healthcare services and the condition of National Highway-415, particularly the Naharlagun-Banderdewa stretch.
PRAC's charter of demands included withdrawal of security forces deployed in connection with SUMP-related activities, revocation of suspension orders against Gaon Burahs, and suspension of project-related survey activities. It also sought making the Drug Testing Laboratory functional and reforms in the pharmacy sector.
The bandh had been declared illegal by the district administration under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which warned of legal action against those enforcing or supporting the shutdown. Security was strengthened at sensitive locations, including the Civil Secretariat and the Lok Bhavan.
Police officials said the bandh passed off peacefully, with no major law-and-order incidents or reported detention of protesters. Itanagar SP Jummar Basar and Naharlagun SP Dr Nyelam Nega confirmed that the situation remained peaceful.
Around 30 protesters reportedly attempted to march from Bage Tinali near Nirjuli towards IG Park in Itanagar during the morning, but were dispersed by police without escalation.
While commercial activity and public movement were affected in several areas, vehicles, including essential service vehicles, continued to ply, though traffic remained subdued.