The arrest of five juveniles among those initially apprehended after the October 23 Pasighat violence has prompted two prominent Adi organisations to intervene.
BY PC Bureau
October 31, 2026: A week after violent clashes rocked Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, community and student organisations have appealed to the state government to release underage students arrested in connection with the October 23 violence, raising concerns over the treatment and future of juveniles caught up in the agitation.
A joint delegation of the Adi Bane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), led by their presidents Oki Dai and Tani Tapo, submitted a representation to the state Home Minister on October 30, seeking the release of the arrested minors and appropriate legal assistance for them.
The organisations urged the authorities to deal with the cases compassionately, taking into account the age, vulnerability and future prospects of the students. They also called for strict compliance with the safeguards provided under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
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According to the East Siang Police statement issued on October 26, 26 people, including five juveniles, had been apprehended in connection with the Pashighat violence. Police had also registered eight cases and detained six additional persons for questioning. The identities of the juveniles were withheld.
The October 30 representation, however, does not specify how many minors remain in custody. Nor has there been a publicly confirmed update establishing whether all five juveniles initially apprehended are still being held.
Demand for action against alleged instigators
In their representation, the two organisations stressed that seeking the release of minors should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield those responsible for the violence from legal accountability.
They called for an impartial, evidence-based investigation to identify the principal instigators, organisers and individuals who may have deliberately influenced or mobilised students and young people to participate in the clashes.
They argued that minors should not face disproportionate consequences for actions they may have undertaken under the influence or instigation of others. The organisations also sought appropriate legal proceedings against anyone found to have deliberately misled or mobilised the young participants.
The representation specifically called for statutory safeguards governing the apprehension, questioning, custody and handling of children in conflict with the law to be followed.
Pasighat Violence followed anti-dam protests
The October 23 violence erupted amid protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a major hydropower project on the Siang river.
The agitation escalated into stone-pelting, arson and vandalism. An NHPC office was set on fire, while the residences of Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong and legislators Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang were attacked. Police and security personnel were also injured, and several vehicles were damaged.
East Siang Police subsequently registered eight cases under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
The Centre also moved additional security personnel into the region following the violence.
The continuing detention of young people has added another dimension to the tensions surrounding the Siang project. While the authorities are pursuing criminal investigations into the violence, the appeal by the two Adi organisations has brought the question of juvenile justice and the protection of underage students into focus.
The immediate demand is for the authorities to review the cases of the minors, ensure that all statutory protections are being observed and distinguish between young participants and those who may have organised or instigated the violence.
