By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Tensions flared on Friday, May 15, after the 36-hour capital shutdown called by the ST Bachao Andolan Committee (STBAC) escalated into unrest, with protesters surrounding the Itanagar police station and demanding the immediate release of those detained during the agitation.
The bandh, which remained in force until 5 pm, had severely disrupted normal life across the capital region.
From Naharlagun, large groups moved towards Itanagar chanting slogans and pressing for the release of detained leaders, including committee chairman Sol Dodum, general secretary Millo Ambo, activist Tana Tamar, and others.
The crowd continued to expand as it passed Papu Nallah.
At 6 Mile, between Papu Nallah and Itanagar, security forces attempted to stop the advancing crowd. However, the protesters pushed past barricades and outnumbered personnel deployed there, continuing their march towards the capital.
The situation prompted authorities to release all detainees, a move later confirmed by Home Minister Mama Natung and Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu.
Later at 6 Mile, Sol Dodum reached the spot and tried to defuse tensions by informing the gathering that Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar had already been released from Tezu district jail and were travelling to Itanagar.
The attempt at calming the crowd did not fully succeed, as some protesters confronted Dodum and allegedly threw stones at him. What began as a peaceful march gradually broke into violence, with a section of protesters attacking the Itanagar police station with stones. Security forces responded by using tear gas shells and firing blank rounds to disperse the mob.
In parallel, a video featuring Millo Ambo and Tana Tamar was shown to the crowd, in which both stated they had been released and were on their way back. However, a section of protesters rejected its authenticity, suspecting it could be an AI-generated clip.
The unrest continued as protesters blocked National Highway 415 at C Sector, insisting the road blockade would remain until both leaders reached Itanagar safely. Many later assembled at Indira Gandhi Park while waiting for their arrival.
Further disturbances were also reported near the Civil Secretariat gate, which were later brought under control by security personnel.
The STBAC has been demanding stricter enforcement of the Inner Line Permit system along with the removal of alleged illegal immigrants and Tibetan refugees from the region.