Siang activist Adum Tayong says protests against SUMP will continue
Activist Adum Tayong vowed to continue protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project after being released from detention.
Activist Adum Tayong has stated that protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) will continue following his release on November 7. Tayong was among four activists detained on October 9 under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA).
According to The Indian Express, Tayong claimed that the activists were initially not informed about the invocation of APUAPA. He said they were lodged in the same prison cells as murder convicts for nearly a month, had their phones seized, and were only allowed to speak to families once every 15 days.
The four released activists include Tayong, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh, and Oson Paron. Tagori Mize, the spokesperson for the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) and an advocate, said others from different districts remain in custody with FIRs against them.
Mize urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to withdraw all FIRs against protesters and activists without conditions. The SIFF spokesperson also demanded the withdrawal of all paramilitary and armed forces deployed in the state.
Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said APUAPA was invoked to maintain law and order. Tajo stated that the detention was necessary because houses were being attacked and vehicles were being torched, creating a tense environment.
Tajo added that since the detentions, incidents of arson have not been reported and that people have realised there is a rule of law. He said it is his duty as a district magistrate to ensure the area is peaceful.