ITANAGAR/DELHI, Sept 7: Bhanu Tatak, the Legal Advisor of SIFF and a prominent voice against the proposed Siang Dam, was stopped and detained by immigration officials at Delhi airport on Sunday, just as she was about to board a flight to Dublin, Ireland. She was scheduled to participate in a prestigious three-month exchange program at Dublin City University, beginning on 9 September.
Bhanu alleged that she was prevented from traveling based on a complaint filed by the Itanagar Police, which is reportedly linked to her participation in protests against the environmentally destructive Siang Dam project. Her passport was confiscated by the authorities, and she was not provided any written explanation from the immigration officials regarding the reasons for denying her travel.
“I was stopped from boarding my flight to Dublin University. I’m still stuck at the airport with no written orders explaining why I’m being blocked from traveling. There are false cases filed against me by the then Deputy Commissioner of Siang, PN Thungon, and Minister Ojing Tasing, simply for raising concerns and standing up for the people,” Bhanu stated.
Although she has since been released and her passport returned, the denial of her travel remains a grave concern. Bhanu continues to face threats and harassment under these politically motivated charges.
The NSUI Arunachal Pradesh has strongly condemned this blatant misuse of state power. “We stand firmly with Bhanu Tatak and all those who resist injustice, exploitation, and suppression in the state. This is yet another example of how the BJP government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu is attempting to silence those who dare to speak for people’s rights, environmental protection, and the future of Arunachal Pradesh,” the organization stated.
Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of citizens regarding the adverse effects of the Siang Dam, the government is targeting intellectuals, activists, and youth leaders who advocate for democratic values and responsible development.
“This harassment is a direct assault on freedom of speech and democratic rights. The BJP government’s consistent use of state machinery to intimidate protestors exposes its anti-youth, anti-people, and anti-democratic stance,” NSUI added in a scathing statement through its social media platform.
