𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐤𝐬𝐢𝐧 ,‘𝐆𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐬’ 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭

Protests intensified in the Ruksin sub-division of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district as residents demanded the immediate relocation of a ferro-silicon factory operating at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre.

Villagers from several nearby settlements have accused M/s Aether Alloys LLP of causing severe environmental damage and posing serious health risks through emissions from its manufacturing unit. They alleged that smoke and dust released during production have led to worsening air quality, contamination of water sources and damage to standing crops.

Residents claimed that respiratory problems, skin irritations and other ailments have become common, particularly among children and elderly people. Farmers in the area said declining agricultural output has affected livelihoods in what is largely an agrarian belt.

Community leaders said repeated representations to the authorities have not resulted in any concrete action. They maintained that industrial activity must comply with environmental safeguards and should not compromise public health.

Protesters have called on the district administration and the state government to order an immediate environmental impact assessment and consider shifting the plant away from densely populated areas. They also sought stricter monitoring of pollution control measures.

Demonstrations continued on February 15, with villagers warning that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not addressed promptly.