20 Detainees Released; ANYA Defers 48 Hours Bandh Call

By Asin Charu

ITANAGAR: Not long ago, 20 ANYA detainees were released, including the Vice President and General Secretary at the DC office in Chandranagar, Itanagar.

With media correspondents and cameramen on standby, detainees were received with a rousing welcome and flower garlands by the other members anticipating the release.

Yesterday in a press briefing, ICR DC Talo Potom informed, the detainees shall be released under section 15 of the National Security Act, 1980, on the grounds of “Temporary Detention” based on the report obtained from police department on the recommendation of Home department.

Besides, the other night, Nyishi Elite Society (NES) released a press statement quoting the issue of detention of ANYA members during and after the course of 36 hours bandh. It held that all innocent detainees shall be released with immediate effect notwithstanding however, those involved in criminal conspiracies in which case further proper investigation may be carried out.

ANYA President Byabang Joram extended his special thanks to the public and the District Magistrate, noting the success of the 36 hours bandh.

On 15 January 2022, ANYA via a local media—Arunbhoomi, declared a 48 hours bandh call w.e.f 18th January 2022, prompting the release of detainees under custody of the police department from their preceding 36 hours bandh which commenced on 13th of January 5:00 am and concluded on 14th of January 5:00 pm.

After the release of 20 detainees today, ANYA has officially deferred the 48 hours bandh call. President Byabang Joram however specified that the protest will be ongoing. Further he informed, more detainees will be released tomorrow, as assured by the DC.

It may be recalled, in the evening of 15th January, 2022, Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP), called for a press conference at Arunachal Press Club (APC) to disseminate updates on the bandh call, where Chukhu Apa (IPS): IGP, L&O, APP, marked:

“First time in the history of Arunachal Bandh culture were 15 anti-nationals from the neighbouring state involved.”

He pinpointed the involvement of hired activists from Dhemaji and Lakhimpur from the bordering state Assam, alongside people from districts in Arunachal: Lower Siang, East Siang, East Kameng, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey and Lower Dibang Valley.

ANYA however have refuted all claims made by the APP forbye, allegations charged by CM Pema Khandu on the move being "politically motivated."