Guwahati: Several properties, including the residences of two MLAs, the Arunachal Pradesh BJP president and public establishments, were vandalised and looted in Pasighat following a 12-hour bandh called to oppose the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Saturday.
According to Khandu, the incidents continued until around 3.30 am on October 24, although the bandh had remained largely peaceful during the day across Siang and Upper Siang districts and Pasighat.
The properties targeted included a police station, the Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) complex and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office. The residences of local MLA Oni Panyang, senior MLA Ninong Ering and state BJP president Kaling Moyong were also vandalised, with reports of theft and looting.
The bandh was called by organisations opposing the SUMP in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts.
Describing the incidents as regrettable, Khandu said peaceful protest was a democratic right but stressed that demonstrations must remain within the limits of the law. He appealed to the public to maintain peace and ensure that such incidents were not repeated.
Addressing concerns over the SUMP, the Chief Minister said the state government was ready to engage with organisations, associations and other stakeholders to discuss the project, including its potential benefits, possible adverse impacts and concerns raised by local communities.
“The government’s doors are always open. Any organization or association that wants to discuss the SUMP project is welcome,” Khandu said, urging people to question the government, examine the project’s potential advantages and disadvantages, and seek clarification on issues that concern them.
He said the government had already reached out to stakeholders and invited them to participate in discussions. Khandu encouraged organisations to use these opportunities to communicate their concerns directly and obtain answers from the authorities.
The Chief Minister also offered to meet representatives of organisations from the Siang region in Itanagar, Pasighat or any other location convenient to them. He said he was willing to visit a venue suggested by the stakeholders, accompanied by officials from the relevant government departments, to facilitate discussions.
Reiterating that public consensus would be central to decisions concerning the SUMP, Khandu called for round-table meetings to address apprehensions and improve understanding of the proposed project.
He urged community representatives and organisations to resolve differences through dialogue and democratic means, cautioning against actions that could endanger public safety or disrupt law and order.