Shillong: A 12-hour shutdown gripped the Itanagar Capital Region on Wednesday. The People’s Rights Action Committee called the strike. Shops stayed closed. Government offices remained open. Traffic moved through the area as security forces monitored the streets.
Police guarded sensitive spots like the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan. One official confirmed the status of the demonstration. "The shutdown was peaceful. There was no report of any law-and-order problem or untoward incident," the official said. Authorities dispersed about 30 protesters marching from Bage Tinali toward Indira Gandhi Park.
The group wants the release of people detained after October 23 protests against the 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The project impacts Siang, East Siang, and Upper Siang districts. Demands include the withdrawal of security forces, reinstatement of suspended village headmen, and a halt to pre-feasibility survey work. The committee also cited local issues like poor road maintenance and ambulance shortages.
Separately, the Adi Galo Welfare Society launched a foot march from Geku in Upper Siang. They head toward Itanagar to oppose the same Siang River dam. The marchers demand the withdrawal of paramilitary and Central Armed Police Forces. They also want the unconditional release of everyone arrested in anti-dam clashes. Opposition to the hydropower plan continues to grow across the state.
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