A 12-hour shutdown disrupted normal life across three districts of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday as organisations demanded the release of 10 people detained for opposing a proposed dam on the Siang River. The shutdown affected transport and commercial activities from 5 am to 5 pm.

The Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU), along with SAYA, the Adi Galo Welfare Society, SIFF and SIFFYW, called for a shutdown across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts.

According to reports, the state administration detained the 10 protesters around 20 days ago following demonstrations against the proposed dam in Upper Siang district. Several organisations have repeatedly demanded their release, alleging that the authorities have failed to take effective action.

The groups warned of intensifying their agitation, including a wider shutdown, if the authorities do not release all 10 detainees within the next 24 hours.

The shutdown also stranded travellers heading to different parts of the country, including Assam. People travelling for medical treatment faced particular difficulties.

A man travelling from Odisha to obtain medicine for his mother, who has liver cancer, said he was unaware of the shutdown. He was stranded after authorities closed a checkpost and his bus turned back.

“I didn't know about any issue. I arrived here this morning. The checkpost was closed, so the bus turned back, leaving us stranded here,” he said.

He appealed to the organisers to exempt people facing medical emergencies and students appearing for examinations from the shutdown.

A woman travelling from Siliguri with two other patients also described the difficulties they faced.

“We have come from Siliguri. There is an Ayurvedic doctor here, Madam Duna Dyang. We need to see her. There are three of us; all three of us are patients,” she told reporters.

She said the group lacked access to food, drinking water and restroom facilities, making their journey more difficult.

“We are ill and need to take our medications on time,” she said, urging the government and shutdown organisers to hold discussions to resolve the situation.