Arunachal Police Seek Warrants for Journalist and Activists Over Siang Project Violence

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Police want inside access to the homes of four key figures. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Kodak Dagium filed an application on October 27 with the Chief Judicial Magistrate of East Siang. The police hope to search the residences of activists Otul Jerang and Tajong Talom, both aged 30, advocate Sunny Tayeng, and journalist Tongam Rina.

Officers want to seize mobile phones, digital devices, and clothing linked to the October 23 clashes. The court application stated that recovering these items is vital to "reconstruct the sequence of events, corroborate witness statements and preserve evidence that could otherwise be concealed, altered or destroyed." The police cited Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, for the request.

Chaos broke out in Pasighat on October 23 and 24. Protesters targeted the 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, clashing with security forces, torching a police station, and vandalizing an National Hydroelectric Power Corporation office. The homes of former MLA Kaling Moyong and MLA Ninong Ering suffered damage, as did the central office of the Adi Baane Kebang. Police have already arrested 26 people, including five juveniles, and registered eight cases. Six others remain in detention for questioning.

Locals fear the dam will ruin their ancestral land and livelihoods. The state government insists the project brings flood moderation and power, urging stakeholders to talk instead of fight. The court has yet to rule on the pending search warrants.