The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has formed an eight-member fact-finding committee to look into the concerns raised by villagers of Ngorlung–Ralung in East Siang district, where mothers have been staging an indefinite hunger strike against a ferro silicon factory. The decision was taken under the leadership of APCC president Bosiram Siram. The protestors are demanding the permanent closure or relocation of a ferro silicon unit operated by Aether Alloys LLP at the Industrial Growth Centre in Niglok.
The committee is headed by APCC vice president Yane Dai as chairperson. Advocate Tami Pangu has been named vice-chairman, while Advocate Daniel Gao is serving as member secretary. The panel visited the protest site and interacted with the women who have been on an indefinite fast. It also inspected the factory premises to understand the situation. The protesting mothers said the factory has been releasing smoke and dust that are affecting their health. They claimed there has been a rise in asthma, chronic cough, eye irritation and skin problems in the village. They also alleged that farm fields are being damaged, water sources are getting polluted, and livestock is being affected. Noise pollution and disposal of industrial waste were also raised as major concerns.
Many of the women have continued their fast despite health problems. They said their protest is peaceful and aimed at protecting the future of their children. The APCC said ferro silicon manufacturing involves high-temperature furnaces that can release silica dust and harmful fumes. It added that such units may emit particulate matter and other pollutants if not properly managed.
