Itanagar : After Arunachal Pradesh Police sought a search warrant against journalist Tongam Rina in connection with the violence that broke out in Pasighat town during a protest against the Upper Siang dam project, she said that it won’t stop her from writing or her activism.
She vowed to continue to stand with the people of Siang Valley.
In a post on X, Rina wrote, “What happened in Pasighat would not have happened had DGP Jamwal, SP Lamba, and the government handled it well. At this point, I have nothing to say about the police action against me and Sunny Tayeng, and their illegal surveillance. I just wish they had asked lawyer Sunny Tayeng, who is appearing for anti-dam activists Ebo Mili, Tajong Talom, Otul Jerang, and many others, and me at least once instead of asking for a search warrant from the court. Sunny is a busy lawyer and brilliant at her work, so she needs to focus on her practice rather than being burdened by extra work.
“We will see what happens tomorrow so will you all. Please be reassured that I have seen enough intimidation in my life, so this isn’t something that will stop me from writing or my activism. More power to the people of Siang valley and Arunachal.
“We owe it to Siang and her people. I will continue to stand with the people of Siang Valley, with Ebo Mili, Otul Jerang, and Tajong Talom, who are in judicial custody in Pasighat, and Adum Tayum, Okut Palloh, Oson Paron, and Omak Paron, who are in jail under APUAPA. Please don’t get distracted by the East Siang district police action against Sunny and me. They would not have done it without someone’s direction. Please continue talking about Siang and her people. Once again, thank you very much for the solidarity,” she added.
On Friday, Rina extended her support to human rights lawyer Ebo Mili whose hunger strike entered sixth day and claimed that ‘the people will not bend’ and continue to firmly protest against Siang Multipurpose Dam project.
“Ebo Mili’s hunger strike enters its sixth day today. Currently jailed for standing in solidarity with the people of Siang who chose to resist a forceful crackdown and heavy militarisation. The community continues its fight against the might of state oppression, firmly opposing a mega hydro project being forced upon them against their will. I know people will not bend, and India’s guns do not scare them. May you continue to stand with Siang and her people,” she said in a post on X.
The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and the Arunachal Press Club (APC) have strongly condemned the inclusion of Rina’s name in an application seeking search warrants in connection with the 23 October violence in Pasighat (E/Siang) during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
She is currently working as an associate editor with The Arunachal Times.