Guwahati: A 12-hour bandh paralysed life across Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar Capital Region on Wednesday, even as govt gave an “in-principle assurance” to release those detained during the anti-dam agitation over the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).The assurance, conveyed through the CM’s office, prompted Public Rights Action Committee (PRAC) chairperson Takam Sonia to agree to talks with govt on Thursday. He, however, warned that the agitation would continue if the detainees were not released.Called by the PRAC from 5 am, the bandh shut shops and business establishments and brought public transport and private vehicles largely off the roads. Some govt offices continued to function. The bandh remained peaceful, with additional police deployed at sensitive locations, including the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan.Tension briefly surfaced in Naharlagun after police barricaded roads to prevent protesters from marching towards IG Park in Itanagar.The situation took a turn in the evening when Capital SP Jummar Basar informed protesters that govt was considering their demands. “Govt, through the Chief Minister’s Office, has communicated in writing to the chairperson of PRAC that the release of the detainees has been concurred in principle by the CM,” he said.Basar said the communication had also been conveyed to Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), another group opposing the project, which had acknowledged its receipt.“A delegation is expected to meet the govt shortly to discuss the entire issue with a holistic approach, with the release of the detainees forming part of the discussions,” the SP said.“The govt has also responded to PRAC’s other two demands. In a written communication, the PRAC chairperson has been invited to attend a meeting on Thursday to discuss and resolve the remaining issues,” SP added.Sonia said the protesters would give govt an opportunity to resolve the standoff but would resume their movement if the talks failed. “Tomorrow, if we do not get fruitful results, democratic movement will continue,” he said.In a parallel show of opposition, around four activists began a nearly 400-km foot march from Geku in Upper Siang district to Itanagar on Wednesday. Organised by Adi Galo Welfare Society, the march seeks to draw attention to opposition to SUMP and mobilise support for the movement.The activists began the march around 8 am after offering prayers at Gumin Lisum, a sacred altar where the Pangi clan of the Adi community worships its ancestors. After covering nearly 40 km through hilly terrain, they reached Katan, the circle headquarters in Upper Siang, by evening. Villagers along the route welcomed the marchers.
