How Arunachal Pradesh is using a draconian law to target those protesting against paper leaks

Tana Tamar, 31, an activist and Aam Aadmi Party member, was released on June 10 after a month in the district jail in Pasighat in East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh.

He was among 41 people across the state who were detained and jailed in May under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Their crime? Calling for a 72-hour bandh from May 10 across the state to protest against alleged irregularities, including charges of bribery, in the conduct of an Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission exam in August last year.

The act allows for the detention of suspects for up till six months, with little to no legal recourse.

Superintendent of police (crime and special investigation team) Rohit Rajbir Singh told Scroll on June 11 that the detentions were made after Itanagar deputy commissioner Talo Potom decided to take action on the basis of intelligence reports apprehending law-and-order problems. “Seven to ten people are still in custody and the rest are released,” Singh said. The police officer did not say why they were still in custody.

Since August last year, Arunachal Pradesh has been roiled by protests against paper leaks in the recruitment examinations conducted by the state government. Investigations pointed to a bigger scam, dating as far back as...

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