East Siang, March 1, 2026:
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), under the leadership of its President Shri Bosiram Siram, has constituted an eight-member Fact-Finding Committee to examine concerns surrounding the ongoing indefinite hunger strike by mothers of Ngorlung–Ralung village in East Siang district.
The protestors are demanding the permanent closure or immediate relocation of the hazardous Ferro Silicon factory operated by Aether Alloys LLP at the Industrial Growth Centre, Niglok. According to the women, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh had earlier assured that the factory would be shifted, but the commitment remains unfulfilled.
The committee, led by APCC Vice President Smti. Yane Dai as Chairperson, with Advocate Tami Pangu as Vice-Chairman and Shri Daniel Gao as Member Secretary, visited the hunger strike site on Saturday. Members interacted with the protesting mothers and later conducted an on-site inspection of the Ferro Silicon unit at the Industrial Growth Centre to assess ground conditions.
Key Concerns Raised by the Protestors
Despite declining health due to the indefinite fast, many of the women highlighted serious issues, including:
Continuous emission of toxic smoke and dust affecting respiratory health
Increase in asthma, chronic cough, eye irritation, and skin ailments
Damage to agricultural fields and reduced crop productivity
Contamination of water sources impacting drinking water and livestock
Noise pollution and improper industrial waste disposal
Fear of long-term illnesses, including cancer and other life-threatening diseases
The protestors stated that their peaceful agitation aims to safeguard the health, environment, and future of their children and community.
Environmental and Health Risks
Ferro Silicon manufacturing is considered a high-risk industrial activity. The process involves high-temperature electric arc furnaces that emit silica dust and hazardous fumes. It can release particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, and other toxic pollutants. Additionally, industrial slag and waste may contaminate soil and groundwater if not properly managed. Significant carbon emissions further contribute to environmental degradation.
When such facilities operate near residential and agricultural areas without stringent pollution-control mechanisms, they pose substantial public health and ecological risks.
 |
| APCC members with the mother's of Ngorlung- Ralung village. |
APCC’s Position
The APCC expressed solidarity with the mothers of Ngorlung–Ralung village in East Siang, stating that public health and environmental safety must take precedence over industrial interests.
The Fact-Finding Committee will submit a detailed report to APCC President Bosiram Siram after comprehensive study and stakeholder consultations. Based on the findings, the party stated it will take appropriate steps to seek accountability and ensure protection of community health and the environment.
The APCC has urged the State Government to act promptly, honour prior commitments, and address the concerns of the local community without further delay.
