Advocate and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered at Pasighat Police Station on Saturday 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.
After surrendering, Jerang maintained that protesting youths had no role in the recent mob violence. Mili condemned the destruction of public property and said their decision to surrender was intended to appeal to demonstrators to maintain peace.
Mili, who is also active in human rights issues in the state, said the bandh across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts was called to demand the release of activists detained during earlier anti-dam protests and protest against the alleged excessive use of force by security personnel near Dite Dime in the Geku area.
He said reports of tear gas being used against demonstrators and women sustaining injuries near Geku had angered protesters. Mili claimed that he, Jerang and other Adi youths decided to continue the agitation, which had initially remained peaceful.
Alleging that the situation in Pasighat deteriorated after nightfall, Mili said security personnel used a stun grenade and tear gas against protesters, triggering panic and anger that led to stone-pelting and violent confrontations.
He claimed that protest leaders repeatedly urged demonstrators to stop throwing stones, but their appeals went unheeded. As the situation escalated, he and other leaders withdrew from the protest site.
Mili said he returned home but received information around 2 am that a police station was being set on fire. He claimed that he rushed to the spot and tried 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 maintained that neither he nor Jerang supported violent protests. He said their surrender was also intended to send a message to young demonstrators 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 violence had also occurred near Geku and said those incidents should not be overlooked.
The proposed SUMP has faced opposition from sections of local communities and youths over concerns about possible displacement, environmental consequences and its impact on the region. Protests 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 police cases linked to the recent unrest.
