PASIGHAT, Oct 25: The East Siang district administration and police have appealed for peace and restraint following violent incidents during a bandh over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Pasighat on October 23, in which police vehicles were torched, public offices damaged and the residences of two MLAs and the state BJP president ransacked.
Addressing a press briefing here, Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Hibu Tamang, In-charge Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin and Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said the authorities had made efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of the 12-hour bandh through dialogue with the organisations concerned.
The bandh, called by the Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU) and associated groups, sought the release of persons arrested in connection with SUMP-related protests, withdrawal of central security forces from the Siang belt and suspension of project-related activities.
Tamang said the bandh was called off in Pasighat following discussions with various stakeholders. However, a separate group under the banner “Save Siang, Save Indigenous Rights”, which had been permitted to hold a sit-in at Miracle Ground until 2 pm on October 23, later moved to the Ranaghat area and launched a protest that the administration declared illegal.
According to officials, protesters subsequently blocked the National Highway after 5 pm and announced an indefinite agitation. Despite repeated appeals by police and magistrates to disperse, a section of the crowd allegedly resorted to sustained stone-pelting, injuring a Deputy Superintendent of Police and several police personnel.
Officials said police initially exercised restraint and did not resort to lathi-charge. As the crowd grew to an estimated 300–400 people, police vehicles were set ablaze, the NHPC office was burnt, and the police station and ABK office were damaged. The residences of MLAs Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang, as well as the state BJP president, were also allegedly ransacked, causing extensive property damage.
Describing the incidents as a serious breakdown of law and order, Tamang said peaceful protest and democratic demands must be respected, but violence, arson and attacks on officials could not be justified. He warned that those found involved in unlawful activities would face action under the law.
Pertin said the administration had taken steps to regulate the protest and remained sensitive to the concerns raised by the demonstrators. However, she said the highway blockade, disruption of public movement and subsequent violence were unacceptable. She appreciated the police and central armed police forces for their restraint in handling the situation.
Appealing to residents to remain calm, Pertin urged people not to spread rumours or share provocative and unverified information about the SUMP. She also called on parents, community leaders and organisations to guide young people towards responsible conduct and peaceful democratic engagement.
Both officials stressed that grievances should be addressed through constructive dialogue and institutional channels rather than violence. The administration and police urged community-based organisations, student bodies and other stakeholders to cooperate in restoring peace and maintaining public safety in East Siang.