The Press Club of India has said it is shocked by Arunachal Pradesh Police naming senior journalist Tongam Rina in search warrants issued in connection with the violence in Pasighat on 23 October, describing the move as a serious threat to press freedom. In a statement, the club said Rina, deputy editor of The Arunachal Times, had been named without any solid reason or any link to the violence.
The club also strongly condemned what it called attempts by the state administration to intimidate and harass journalists reporting on the protests against the Siang dam project. It said incidents of violence and damage to property could not be used as a pretext to intimidate journalists covering a movement, and asked police to ensure journalists like Rina were not harassed merely for doing their job. The club also pointed to Rina's record of reporting on the environment, politics and governance in the state.
26 detained after Pasighat violence, 8 cases registered
Police said on Monday that 26 people, including five minors, had been detained in connection with the violence during a shutdown called to protest the proposed mega dam on the Siang river in Pasighat on 23 October. East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said eight criminal cases had been registered and six people detained for questioning.
Those arrested included anti-dam activist Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang, both of whom surrendered before police. Police said the identities of the five minors had not been disclosed under legal provisions. Cases were registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act added in one case. The charges included unlawful assembly, rioting, obstructing government servants, criminal conspiracy and damage to public property. Four of the six detained for questioning were identified as Sadin Modi, Kalem Perme, Milo Pertin and Kangkiling Megu.
Bandh, tear gas and attacks on offices
The arrests followed large-scale violence during a 12-hour shutdown called by organisations protesting the proposed mega dam, observed in parts of Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. The protesters' main demand was the release of activists arrested during earlier protests. Tension rose further after reports that security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters at Dite Dime near Geku in Upper Siang district, after which four women were admitted to Geku primary health centre and discharged after about two hours under medical observation. Police denied claims circulating on social media about deaths.
During the violence in Pasighat, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation office in the High Region area was set on fire, a police station was attacked and several vehicles were damaged. The homes of state BJP president Kaling Moyong and Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering were vandalised, and the office of Adi Baane Kebang, the apex body of the Adi community, was also targeted. Police personnel and protesters were both reported injured in the clashes.
