Staff Reporter 

PASIGHAT, Oct 22 : A massive peaceful rally against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) was held in Pasighat on October 20, as members of the Gen Z community, youth groups and concerned citizens came together to voice their opposition to the mega-dam project and demand the immediate release of all seven  individuals arrested under the 
Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
Organised by Gen Z members in collaboration with the ABKU Youth Wing and the general public, the rally began at D. Ering Memorial Higher Secondary School and proceeded towards Gandhi Chowk, drawing attention to growing public concerns over the proposed project and the ongoing detention of villagers.
During the demonstration, participants raised concerns over the potential environmental, social and cultural consequences of the proposed dam, particularly for the Siang Valley and its indigenous communities. Protesters also opposed the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process associated with the project, which is intended to assess its feasibility.
Addressing the gathering,Obi Gao, Deputy Speaker of the ABKU Youth Wing (Apex), who categorically asserted that there will be No Dam and No PFR, also highlighted the concerns surrounding the project and the detention of villagers.
He appealed for the immediate release of all arrested persons and called upon the authorities to respond to their concerns. He issued a two-day ultimatum for the release of all persons arrested under the APU-APA, warning that the issue could intensify if their demand was not met.
The rally also drew attention to the administration’s initial refusal to grant permission for the demonstration. Permission was subsequently granted on Tuesday afternoon, allowing the gathering to proceed peacefully.
According to reports, an educator Anto Rukbo was also detained by Mebo Police, who was expected to attend the rally. However, he was later released in the evening on the same day. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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