The four released detainees have been identified as Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron. They were initially arrested under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, following demonstrations in the Siang Valley.
Their release came a day after the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), through a letter dated November 6, communicated the government's decision to free them to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue and reconciliation. The government also approved the reinstatement of gaon buras and gaon buris who had faced disciplinary action over their participation in the protests.
In its communication to the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), the CMO addressed four key demands raised by the protesters. These included the release of detainees, withdrawal of security forces, withdrawal of criminal cases and reinstatement of suspended village authorities and government employees.
While accepting the demands for the release of the four detainees and reinstatement of village authorities, the government maintained that decisions regarding the deployment or withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel would depend on law and order conditions and public safety requirements.
On the demand for withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters, the administration stated that closure of criminal cases would have to follow due legal process. However, it expressed willingness to discuss the issue during upcoming dialogue sessions.
Reacting to the government's decision, Tadak Nalo, founder and chairman of the Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF), told Hub News that the release of four detainees was welcome but did not meet the protesters' expectations.
“Four of them were released today. We appreciate it, but we are not fully satisfied because 40 others were also arrested. We want all of them to be released,” Nalo said.
He reiterated the protesters' demand for the withdrawal of security forces deployed in the state, making it clear that the agitation's demands remained unresolved.
“It is a partial victory for us. When all the detainees are released and the forces are completely withdrawn, only then will it be a complete victory for our protest,” he added.
The government's decision marks a step towards addressing the demands raised during the agitation against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. However, the continued detention of 40 protesters, the deployment of security personnel and the pending demand for withdrawal of criminal cases remain key issues ahead of the proposed dialogue between the administration and protesters.
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