ITANAGAR:A 12-hour shutdown called by the People's Rights Action Committee (PRAC) received a mixed response in Arunachal Pradesh's Itanagar Capital Region on Wednesday. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed, while government offices continued to function.
The bandh began at 5 am and remained largely peaceful, Capital Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar said. No law-and-order problems or untoward incidents were reported.
The protesters are demanding the release of people detained in connection with the October 23 protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts.
PRAC has also demanded the withdrawal of security forces deployed for the proposed project, revocation of suspension orders against gaonburas (village headmen), and suspension of survey activities related to SUMP.
Security arrangements were strengthened across the capital region to maintain law and order. Additional personnel were deployed at key locations, including the Civil Secretariat and Lok Bhavan.
Meanwhile, around 30 protesters attempted to march from Bage Tinali near Nirjuli towards IG Park in Itanagar in the morning. Police personnel dispersed them, according to the police.
Although vehicles continued to ply during the shutdown, most roads across the capital region remained largely deserted.
