Itanagar: The East Siang district administration has imposed restrictions on public gatherings and processions in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin, citing apprehensions of vandalism, arson and a potential breach of law and order following protests and bandh-related activities.In an executive order issued on Saturday, deputy commissioner Jayanti Pertin said the restrictions will come into effect from 5 pm on Oct 24 and remain in force until withdrawn or modified earlier in accordance with law.Warning that violations would invite appropriate penal action under the law, Pertin directed the SP and executive magistrates to ensure strict implementation of the order.The district magistrate said the prevailing circumstances had created a reasonable apprehension of further incidents involving damage to property, disturbance of public order and potential threats to human life and safety, necessitating immediate preventive measures.Under the restrictions, gatherings of more than five persons at any place within the notified areas have been prohibited. The order also bans acts of vandalism, destruction of public or private property, intimidation, violence and other activities likely to disturb public peace.Carrying of weapons, including firearms and ammunition, daos, bows and arrows, daggers, knives, axes, hatchets and lathis, has also been prohibited, except for weapons authorised for use by security personnel deployed on law-and-order duty.The order further stipulates that processions, rallies, marches, meetings and similar activities cannot be conducted without prior permission and written approval from competent authorities. Residents have been directed to comply with lawful instructions issued by the police and district administration to maintain peace and public tranquillity.The Arunachal Pradesh govt, on the other hand, has urged people to refrain from believing or circulating unverified rumours, misleading claims and fake news regarding the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), according to a public advisory issued by the state information and public relations department on Saturday.The advisory urged the public to rely on official govt notifications, press releases and authorised communication channels for accurate information about the proposed hydropower project.The project aims to strengthen national water and energy security, regulate seasonal floods in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin and promote long-term socio-economic development, the department said.The govt clarified that activities currently underway are limited to technical and environmental surveys for preparing the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), which will assess its viability.Emphasising the protection of local interests, the advisory stated that the welfare, rights, land security and cultural heritage of local communities and project-affected families (PAFs) remain central to the govt’s assessment.The department also cautioned people against forwarding unverified social media posts, videos and messages that could trigger unnecessary panic and misunderstanding.
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