ITANAGAR, May 28: The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has formally lodged a complaint with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Human Rights, demanding an immediate independent investigation into the alleged assault of women protesters by Minister Ojing Tasing during a recent demonstration in the Siang region.
In a statement released by APWWS President Kani Nada Maling, the organization expressed alarm over a viral video showing Minister Tasing allegedly elbowing a female protester and another woman visibly bleeding after what appears to be police aggression. The incident occurred during protests against the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel to survey the 11,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project site.
“We are deeply disturbed and distressed by these visuals. This represents a serious abuse of power and a violation of the fundamental rights of women engaged in peaceful protest,” stated Maling.
The APWWS emphasized that such conduct by both elected officials and police is not only unacceptable but also unconstitutional. The Society has called on the Human Rights Commission to take swift, impartial, and strong action to uphold justice and preserve democratic integrity.
In response to growing criticism, Minister Ojing Tasing took to social media to explain his side of the incident. He claimed that while leaving a peaceful meeting with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), his group was attacked by a violent mob.
“My uncle suffered a serious head injury. Stones, chilly powder, and even a local knife were used by some in the crowd. I was fortunate to escape unharmed, thanks to my PSOs and local youths,” Tasing stated.
The minister maintained that his actions were in self-defense during a chaotic situation, not an act of aggression.
Despite the explanation, the incident has triggered public outrage, especially from women’s rights groups and local activists, who argue that force against unarmed women protesters is indefensible and must be addressed through legal means.
