Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh – The serene yet increasingly volatile landscape of Siang is witnessing a fresh escalation in the ongoing Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) saga. Siang Deputy Commissioner P.N. Thungon has formally initiated police action against prominent human rights and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili, accusing him of flouting Section 144, which prohibits public assembly, during a recent protest.
The alleged violation transpired on May 23 in Begging village, where over 400 individuals gathered to voice their vehement opposition to the proposed 11,000 MW mega dam. The demonstration, led by Mili and members of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, proceeded despite the district administration’s prohibitory order, which had come into effect just a day prior.
Official sources indicate that the charges against Mili have been registered under Sections 135, 191, and 324 of the recently implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
This move by the administration comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by the state government’s decision to deploy armed forces. Their mandate was to facilitate technical teams undertaking pre-construction studies at the contentious dam site. This deployment has further inflamed sentiments among the indigenous communities, particularly in Siang and Upper Siang districts, who express profound apprehension regarding potential irreparable harm to their ancestral lands and vital river systems.
Ebo Mili, a relentless advocate for indigenous rights and environmental preservation, has a history of dissent, having been detained on two previous occasions for similar acts of protest. His consistent voice continues to resonate as a powerful counterpoint to the developmental agenda, highlighting the deep-seated concerns of the local populace.
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