Arunachal Pradesh-based human rights lawyer and environmental activist Ebo Mili was barred from boarding a flight to Dhaka from Kolkata airport on Saturday due to a lookout notice issued by the state police. Mili was scheduled to participate in the Regional Infrastructure Monitoring Alliance (RIMA) conference from October 5 to 7.
In an interview with Maktoob, Mili criticized the order from the Arunachal Pradesh Police, stating, “This is harassment, a misuse of power. We are being targeted for advocating against the Siang dam. I won’t be surprised if next they arrest us under the National Security Act. There are so many ministers with actual crimes, yet they go overseas; rapists and murderers get parole, while people who are actually working for their land and environmental protection are being tagged as anti-national.”
Mili is the second activist to be prevented from traveling internationally due to a lookout notice. Environmental activist Bhanu Tatak faced a similar situation in early September when she was stopped at Delhi airport on her way to Ireland, based on a lookout circular from the Arunachal Pradesh Police.
The activists were reportedly halted due to complaints that have not been disclosed, though many speculate it relates to their opposition against the proposed mega dam on the Siang River. Following reports about the dam, significant protests have emerged against other hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
Civil society members contend that the proposed project violates regulations regarding the necessary free, prior, and informed consent that should be obtained from the Gram Sabhas. This situation has raised concerns as such consent is often overlooked in similar projects.
The government’s push for the mega hydropower initiative on the Siang River is said to be motivated by perceived threats from China. In June, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) addressed the issue after learning that local residents opposed the construction due to fears of displacement and negative impacts on livelihoods and ecology in the Siang district. In response, the government has reportedly deployed central armed forces to various areas within the district.
The NHRC noted that the allegations in the media report, if accurate, suggest potential human rights violations. Consequently, it issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh, requesting a detailed report within two weeks.
On May 23, a protest organized by a human rights activist and convenor of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum drew around 400 participants in Beging village, expressing opposition to the dam construction.
Tags: Ebo Mili, Arunachal Pradesh lawyer, Kolkata airport, lookout notice, legal issues
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