Arunachal Police seeks warrants to search homes of journalist, advocate and two activists over Siang protests

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Police has sought court warrants to search the residences of four people, including journalist Tongam Rina and advocate Sunny Tayeng, in connection with violence during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), officials said.

In an application dated October 27, investigating officer Sub-Inspector Kodak Dagium of East Siang police requested permission from the Chief Judicial Magistrate of East Siang district to search the homes of activists Otul Jerang, 30, and Tajong Talom, 30, along with Rina and Tayeng.

The application seeks permission to seize clothing allegedly worn during the violence, mobile phones, digital devices containing photographs or video recordings, and other materials considered relevant to the investigation.

According to the application, recovering these items would help establish the individual roles of those under investigation, reconstruct the sequence of events, corroborate witness statements and preserve evidence that could be concealed, altered or destroyed.

The police sought warrants under Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, or other applicable provisions. The application states that any searches would be conducted by authorised personnel in accordance with the law, with proper documentation and seizure lists. The court’s decision on the request was not immediately available.

The application follows violence in Pasighat on October 23 and 24, when protests against the proposed hydropower project escalated into clashes, arson and vandalism.

Police said protesters allegedly attacked security personnel, damaged police vehicles and set fire to a police station and an office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The residences of state BJP president and former MLA Kaling Moyong and Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering were also vandalised, along with the central office of Adi Baane Kebang.

Police registered eight cases and arrested 26 people, including five juveniles, in connection with the incidents. Six others were detained for questioning, according to a police statement.

The violence came amid opposition to the proposed 11,200-MW SUMP. Indigenous organisations and residents have raised concerns about its potential impact on ancestral land, livelihoods and the environment. Protesters have also demanded a halt to preliminary survey activities, the release of detained activists and the withdrawal of security personnel from affected areas.

The state government has highlighted the project’s potential benefits, including water security, flood moderation and hydropower generation, while urging stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue.