In May 2025, during a tense period marked by prohibitory orders and paramilitary deployment coinciding with dam survey work in Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, Ebo (Emo) Milli a prominent environmental lawyer and indigenous rights activist led peaceful protests with villagers concerned about forced displacement and ecological harm. On May 26, 2025, the District Commissioner directed police action against Milli, resulting in an FIR carrying grave charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Rights groups denounced the charges as fabricated and viewed the case as an attempt to target environmental defenders and silence indigenous advocacy. Media and civil society called out the misuse of law to suppress dissent and intimidate activists opposing large development projects.

HRDA calls upon the NHRC to take suo moto cognizance under Section 12(a), to conduct an urgent, thorough, and independent investigation, and to ensure the protection of environmental defenders, fair legal process, and broader respect for the rights of affected communities.