12-hour shutdown in three Arunachal districts over detained dam protesters

Across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts, a coordinated 12-hour shutdown took place on Friday, demanding the release of ten activists detained for opposing a large dam on the Siang River. The action was called by Adi Bane Kebang United in partnership with SAYA, the Adi Galo Welfare Society, SIFF and SIFFYW, and lasted from 5 am to 5 pm, disrupting normal travel, trade and public services. Authorities had taken the protesters into custody roughly 20 days earlier following demonstrations in Upper Siang.

Organizers warned that failure to secure their release within the next day would trigger a wider shutdown. The closure affected journeys to and from Assam and left travelers from Odisha and Siliguri stranded, some of whom were seeking medication for serious illnesses. One passenger appealed for exemptions for medical emergencies and students facing exams, while another group of patients described lack of food, water and restroom facilities during the delay.