The union has approached the East Siang SP, warning that continued detention could disrupt the students’ academic preparations and affect their semester examinations
Itanagar: With December semester examinations approaching, the Jawaharlal Nehru College Students’ Union (JNCSU) has appealed for the early release of 18 students arrested over the violence during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh.
In a representation submitted to East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, the union expressed concern that prolonged detention could affect the students’ academic performance and future prospects.
The JNCSU urged the police to consider their release in accordance with legal procedures, allowing them to resume their studies. It also assured the authorities that the union would counsel the students to maintain discipline and promote peace within the college and the wider community.
The arrests followed violent demonstrations in Pasighat on October 23 against the proposed 11,200-MW hydropower project. The agitation, driven by concerns over the project’s potential impact and demands to stop preliminary survey activities, escalated into incidents of arson, stone-throwing and vandalism.
According to East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba, 18 students from the college were arrested in connection with the violence. While 10 remain in judicial custody, the other eight have been released on bail.
The union has urged authorities to consider the students’ academic circumstances while deciding on their release.
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