Itanagar rally seeks release of Siang Dam protesters

Guwahati: A solidarity rally in Itanagar on Thursday called for the release of people arrested in connection with protests against the proposed Siang dam project in Arunachal Pradesh and the withdrawal of cases registered against them. The protesters also called for the protection of rivers, land, indigenous identity and the rights of local communities, carrying placards and raising slogans.

Young people and indigenous rights activists took part in the rally. Some wore traditional tribal attire.

The rally comes after agitations against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project turned violent last week, leading to arrest of several protestors and issuing of prohibitory orders. Sections of local communities raised concerns about the likely impact of the proposed 11,200-MW hydropower project on ancestral land and livelihoods, and opposed the deployment of security personnel to facilitate preliminary surveys.


On October 23, demonstrators in Pasighat in East Siang attacked the homes of leaders and set fire to an office of the NHPC and a police station.