Guwahati: Anti-dam activist and advocate Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered at Pasighat Police Station on Saturday after violence broke out during a 12-hour shutdown opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.
Both called for peace and condemned the unrest.
The activists have been prominent figures in the campaign against the proposed 11,200-MW hydropower project. Their surrender came as tensions rose in Pasighat, where protesters allegedly set a police station on fire and damaged several properties.
Mili said the shutdown in Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts sought the release of activists detained during earlier anti-dam demonstrations. Protesters were also opposing what they described as excessive force by security personnel at Dite Dime near Geku.
He said reports that security personnel had fired tear gas during demonstrations near Geku, injuring women, fuelled anger among protesters.
In response, Mili, Jerang and other Adi youths decided to carry on with the agitation, he said, adding that the shutdown had initially proceeded peacefully.
According to Mili, tensions in Pasighat worsened after dark when security personnel allegedly threw a stun grenade and used tear gas against demonstrators. He said the incident sparked panic and anger, followed by stone-pelting and clashes.
Mili said protest leaders repeatedly asked demonstrators to stop throwing stones, but the appeals did not work. As the situation deteriorated, the leaders left the protest site and decided to call off their demonstration. He also claimed that police personnel later moved away as a large crowd assembled.
Mili said he had returned home when he received information at around 2 am that a police station was being set ablaze. He rushed back and tried to convince the crowd to stop, but was unsuccessful. He then contacted the deputy superintendent of police.
Condemning the violence and damage to public property, Mili said he and Jerang did not support violent demonstrations. He added that their decision to surrender was meant to encourage the protesting youths to avoid violence and maintain peace.
In response to Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s comments on the unrest, Milli questioned why the violence in Pasighat was receiving particular attention. He said incidents of violence had also taken place near Geku and should not be overlooked.