Arunachal JNC students' body seeks early release of 18 arrested students ahead of December exams

Itanagar: The Jawaharlal Nehru College Students' Union (JNCSU) has appealed to the East Siang SP for the early release of 18 students arrested in connection with the violence during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Pasighat, citing their upcoming semester exams in December.

In a representation to the SP, the students' body expressed concern that the continued detention of the students could hamper their academic preparations and adversely affect their performance in the examinations. It urged police to consider their early release, subject to applicable legal procedures, to enable them to resume their studies and prepare for the exams.

The arrests were made after violence erupted in Pasighat on October 23 during protests against the proposed 11,200-MW SUMP, following opposition from local organisations and residents over concerns surrounding the mega hydropower project. The agitation, which included demands for a halt to preliminary survey activities for the project, took a violent turn, with incidents of stone-throwing, arson and vandalism reported in the town.

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The NHPC office and police premises were allegedly targeted, several police vehicles were damaged, and the residences of political leaders, including local legislators and the state BJP president, were vandalised. Several police personnel were reportedly injured during the clashes. Police subsequently registered multiple cases in connection with the violence and launched an investigation into the incidents.

JNCSU urges discipline

Emphasising the importance of education and students' academic future, the JNCSU said prolonged detention could cause academic setbacks and adversely affect the prospects of the students concerned. The union also assured police of its full cooperation and that it would counsel the students to maintain discipline, act responsibly and uphold peace and harmony within the college and society.

It appealed to police to consider the students' academic circumstances and take appropriate steps for their early release in accordance with the law. At least 18 students from the college were arrested following the violence, East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba told PTI. Of the 18 students arrested, 10 are currently in judicial custody, while eight others have been released on bail, he added.