New Delhi: Bhanu Tatak, an activist from Arunachal Pradesh and legal advisor of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF, was stopped by immigration authorities at the Delhi airport on Sunday from travelling to Ireland.
Authorities said that Tatak on the basis of a lookout circular issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Police. A lookout circular or LOC is a legal notice used by Indian authorities to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving the country.
Chikhu Apa, Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Arunachal Pradesh, confirmed the lookout circular and said she faces 10-12 cases related to her alleged involvement in protests, including accusations of inciting violence and leading demonstrators to confront a cabinet minister.
The complaints against Tatak are related to protests against the proposed Siang Dam project. The activist, however, maintains that the charges are fabricated and aimed towards targeting people opposing the project.
The Siang dam refers to the massive Upper Siang Hydroelectric Project that proposes to generate 11,500 MW of power once completed. It will be the largest hydroelectric project in the Indian subcontinent.
Tatak demanded the withdrawal of the charges and accountability from police and immigration officials, who she said did not inform her in advance or provide written reasons for stopping her travel.
Tatak is leading the SIFF’s protest against this project. She was leaving for Ireland to begin a three-month academic program at Dublin City University from September 9.
The Youth Congress has criticised the government for not giving prior notice to Tatak about the travel restriction. They called the case fabricated and aimed at silencing opponents of government projects. The group said the Siang project could have major impacts on local communities and the environment, and should proceed only with consent from those affected.
Describing the action against Tatak as “arbitrary and condemnable”, the Youth Congress said, “We live in a democracy where individual rights must be respected. Mischievous attempts to silence dissents will not yield fruit.”
“We stand firmly with Tatak and urge the authorities to restore her rights at the earliest,” Youth Congress state general secretary Tai David said.
