The decision comes as a goodwill gesture ahead of proposed dialogue, but protesters insist that all detainees be freed and security forces withdrawn
Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Saturday released four protesters detained during the ongoing agitation against the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), marking a partial breakthrough in efforts to resolve the dispute.
The detainees, Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron were arrested under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, following demonstrations in the Siang Valley.
The release followed a November 6 communication from the Chief Minister’s Office, which described the decision as a goodwill gesture aimed at creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and reconciliation. The government also approved the reinstatement of gaon buras and gaon buris suspended over their involvement in the protests.
However, the administration maintained that the deployment of central security forces would depend on law and order requirements, while the withdrawal of FIRs would be subject to legal procedures.
Reacting to the development, Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front chairman Tadak Nalo welcomed the release but termed it a partial victory, demanding the release of 40 other arrested protesters and the withdrawal of security forces.
He said the agitation would achieve a complete victory only when all detainees were freed and the forces withdrawn.
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