Protest Over Land Policy Disrupts Life in East Siang

Protesters in the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh called for a shutdown on Tuesday to demand transparency in the land allotment policy and the removal of encroachments from government property. The strike was organized by the Bogang Bogang Land Action Committee (BBLAC), Bogang and Garaj-Chamak Bogang Kebang (BBYK), and the All Bogang Students Union to support their five-point list of demands.

Details of the Demands

The groups are seeking a review of recent land allotments made in Pasighat town and the immediate removal of illegal occupations on government land. Furthermore, they are calling for the district administration to launch a special drive to clear encroachments and unauthorized settlements from the campuses of local educational institutions. The organizations also want their representatives to be included in the district land allotment committee. These organizations have stated that they submitted several memorandums to the district administration, but no action has been taken on their concerns so far.

Impact of the Shutdown

During the strike, normal life in the district came to a standstill as shops, private establishments, and financial institutions remained closed. Public transport was also severely affected, with very few vehicles seen on the roads throughout the day. The organizers ensured that essential services, including healthcare facilities, were exempted from the shutdown to avoid public hardship.

Law and Order Situation

There was a brief argument between the protesters and administrative officials outside the office of the East Siang Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday morning. Despite this incident, the overall law and order situation remained peaceful throughout the day. The agitators have warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they will launch a larger and more intense protest starting from the second week of August.