Anti-dam activist Ebo Mili, along with one Mejo Mihu, who were detained by the capital police for staging a protest against the signing of memorandums of agreement (MoA) between the state government and hydropower PSUs for 13 stalled hydropower projects in Arunachal were reportedly released after being forced to sign a bond by the police. The duo did not carry out any act of violence, nor tried to create law and order problems. They had just expressed their dissent against signing of the MoAs. Some of these projects will be executed in the Dibang basin and, being affected people, they have every right to protest.
Of late, the ICR administration has been seen actively pursuing anyone who raises voices of dissent. Constant use of a draconian law like the APUAPA, along with forcing people to sign bonds to get out of detention, is increasing frequently. This is not a good sign for a democratic society. The government should provide enough space for the voices of dissent. Using laws to try curtailing the democratic rights of citizens is not good. The beauty of democracy lies in people expressing their views without any fear. The random detention of activists and those who dare to raise voice against the government should end. It might be counterproductive at some point.