Pasighat violence: JN College union seeks release of 18 students

The students' union of Jawaharlal Nehru College in Pasighat has asked police to release 18 of its students who were arrested after the violence that broke out in the town on October 23 during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

In a representation to the East Siang Superintendent of Police, the Jawaharlal Nehru College Students' Union (JNCSU) said the students' semester examinations begin in December and that their continued detention could hurt their preparation and results, PTI reported on Tuesday.

What the union is asking for

The union has sought the students' early release "subject to applicable legal procedures", so they can return to classes and prepare for the exams. It said a long spell in custody could set back the students' studies and their future prospects.

The JNCSU also told police it would cooperate fully, and promised to counsel the students to stay disciplined, act responsibly and help maintain peace on the campus and in the wider community.

Ten still in custody

East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba told PTI that at least 18 students of the college were arrested after the violence. Of them, 10 are in judicial custody and eight have been released on bail, he said.

The October 23 violence

Protests against the proposed 11,200-MW SUMP turned violent in Pasighat on October 23. Protesters were demanding a halt to the pre-feasibility survey work for the mega hydropower project. Stones were thrown, and there were incidents of arson and vandalism.

The NHPC office and police premises were allegedly targeted, several police vehicles were damaged, and the homes of political leaders, including local MLAs and the state BJP president, were vandalised. Several police personnel were reported injured. Police registered multiple cases, and the Centre airlifted Rapid Action Force personnel to the state in the days that followed.

Calls for release growing

Adi youth and student bodies had earlier demanded the release of minors held after the violence and a probe into the incident.

On Monday, former chief minister Gegong Apang welcomed the release of four anti-dam protesters, Adum Tayom, Oson Paron, Omak Paron and Okut Paloh, from custody, The Arunachal Times reported. He called it a "first victory" for the movement and demanded the release of all those detained or arrested in connection with the SUMP protests, the withdrawal of cases against protesters, and compensation for residents of Geku, Komkar, Riga and Yingkiong who, he said, faced harassment by central forces and police.

Opposition to the dam remains strong across the Siang valley, where a foot march by the Adi Galo Welfare Society is now on its way to Itanagar.

NEInsider will update this story when police or the court decide on the students' bail.