Arunachal: Advocate and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili, youth leader Otul Jerang surrender amid Siang project protests

Advocate and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered at the Pasighat Police Station on Saturday, October 24 afternoon in connection with cases registered following violence during the ongoing Gen Z-led movement against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

Following their surrender, Jerang maintained that the protesting youth had no role in the recent mob violence, while Mili condemned the destruction of public property and said their decision to surrender was intended to urge demonstrators to maintain peace.

Mili, who is also active on human rights issues in the state, said the bandh called across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts was aimed at demanding the release of activists detained during earlier anti-dam protests and protesting the alleged excessive use of force by security personnel near Dite Dime in the Geku area.

According to Mili, reports of tear gas being used against demonstrators and women sustaining injuries during protests near Geku had triggered anger among protesters. He said he, Jerang and other Adi youths decided to continue the agitation, which he claimed had initially remained peaceful.

Mili alleged that the situation in Pasighat deteriorated after nightfall when security personnel used a stun grenade and tear gas against protesters. He claimed the action triggered panic and anger, leading to stone-pelting and violent confrontations.

He said protest leaders repeatedly appealed to demonstrators to stop throwing stones, but their requests were not heeded. As the situation escalated, he and other leaders withdrew from the protest site, Mili claimed.

Mili further said he returned home but received information around 2 am that a police station was being set on fire. He claimed he rushed to the spot and attempted to stop the arson but could not persuade the crowd to disperse. He subsequently contacted the deputy superintendent of police, he said.

Condemning the violence, Mili said neither he nor Jerang supported violent protests. He said their surrender was also intended to convey a message to young protesters to refrain from violence and maintain peace.

Reacting to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's remarks on the unrest, Mili questioned what he described as the selective focus on the violence in Pasighat. He alleged that incidents of violence had also occurred near Geku and said those developments should not be overlooked.

The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced opposition from sections of local communities and youth in Arunachal Pradesh over concerns about potential displacement, environmental consequences and its impact on the region. Demonstrations against the project have intensified in recent weeks, particularly in Siang and East Siang districts.

The surrender of Mili and Jerang comes amid continuing tensions over the anti-dam movement and the police cases linked to the recent unrest.