Staff Reporter 

DAPORIJO, Oct 26 : Normal life across Upper Subansiri district was severely disrupted on Monday as a 12-hour bandh called by the All Tagin Students Union (ATSU), the Upper Subansiri District Students Union and other area-based students’ organisations brought public activities to a standstill, particularly in Daporijo township.
The bandh began at 5:00 AM and was called to express strong resentment over an alleged attempt by police to detain ATSU President at his residence on Sunday night. The incident reportedly triggered widespread anger among student organisations, which questioned the circumstances surrounding the alleged police action.
During the bandh, road blockades and tyre burning were reported in Daporijo, significantly affecting the movement of vehicles and routine public activities. A police vehicle reportedly parked inside a garage for maintenance was also allegedly damaged during the shutdown, raising concerns over the law-and-order situation.
The protest also reflects growing opposition to the proposed 1,605-MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project (SUHEP), popularly known as the Menga Dam project, being developed by NHPC Limited on the Subansiri River. The project has faced resistance from indigenous communities and land-affected residents, who have expressed concerns over possible displacement, loss of ancestral land, environmental damage and the risks associated with development in a seismically sensitive region.
According to the protesting organisations, more than 35 indigenous villages and thousands of residents could be affected by the project. The student bodies have called for the complete and permanent cancellation of SUHEP, arguing that the concerns of local communities must be addressed before the project proceeds.
The organisations have also demanded an immediate official clarification from the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Upper Subansiri regarding the alleged attempt to detain the ATSU president, including allegations of police trespass and violations of legal safeguards. The student bodies have raised concerns over the alleged violation of Section 44 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), an allegation that requires clarification from the competent authorities.
Meanwhile a Police person was reportedly injured  during the bandh and protesters also damaged the office of the NHPC in Daporijo.

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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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