Mixed Impact of Arunachal Bandh: Shops Seal, Govt Work Continues

A coordinated strike across the Itanagar Capital Region on Wednesday demonstrated a divided impact on daily life. Government administrative offices continued their operations as usual, while commercial shops, markets, and private enterprises observed a full closure. The city operated under a tightened security perimeter, with police managing traffic flow amidst otherwise empty streets.

Law enforcement agencies confirmed that the twelve-hour closure remained entirely non-violent. No security breaches or clashes were recorded. The directive was issued by the People's Rights Action Committee to press for the freedom of activists held in custody since late October. Those arrests occurred during anti-hydroelectric project demonstrations across the Lower, East, and Upper Siang regions.

The protest agenda has grown to encompass multiple local grievances. Key demands include the immediate withdrawal of central armed police forces from sensitive developmental zones and the reinstatement of suspended village leaders. Organizers are also urging authorities to halt all preliminary survey work intended for the project's feasibility assessment.

On the civic front, the campaign highlighted persistent infrastructure gaps. Activists called for systematic road repairs in the capital territory, consistent stocking of medical supplies at health centers, and a modernized ambulance fleet to enhance emergency response times.

Police maintained a strong presence, deploying reinforcements at key administrative complexes. When a cohort of around thirty marchers tried to move from the Nirjuli vicinity toward a central park, officers intervened to scatter the group. Meanwhile, a separate foot procession commenced from Gechow in Upper Siang, heading toward Itanagar to voice ongoing opposition to the 11,200 MW power project and the heavy security presence in affected communities.