Arunachal capital sees partial bandh over Siang detainees’ release, drug lab, pharmacy reforms

A partial 12-hour bandh called by the Public Right Action Committee (PRAC) disrupted normal activities in parts of the Itanagar Capital Region on November 4, following what the committee described as the government's failure to address its demands.

The bandh, called by PRAC under the leadership of chairman Takam Sonia, was scheduled from 5 am to 5 pm.

The Itanagar Capital Complex District Magistrate, Toko Babu, had declared the bandh illegal and unlawful under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing Supreme Court guidelines against the enforcement of bandhs.

The district administration directed the Superintendents of Police of Itanagar and Naharlagun to maintain law and order, prevent forcible closure of shops and establishments, and take penal action against those violating the order.

The PRAC's demands include the immediate release of people detained in connection with the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) issue, making the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) functional, and greater accountability and reforms in the pharmacy sector.

The committee has also sought concrete assurances and action on pending highway-related issues, including demands for repairs to National Highway 415.

Despite the administration's order declaring the bandh unlawful, the shutdown was partially observed in the capital region.