Protests have erupted against the proposed 11,200-megawatt ‘Siang Upper Multipurpose Project’ in Arunachal Pradesh. The situation turned violent on Friday night in Pasighat, located in the East Siang district.
What is the issue?
Tensions persist in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, which has become the epicenter of large-scale opposition against a major dam. The unrest follows two weeks of protests across three districts in the state’s Siang Valley region.
The administration and police have taken stringent measures to prevent any disruptions or strikes. Large contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed throughout Pasighat town and the entire East Siang district.
Vehicle movement remained regular, and operations at educational institutions, government offices, and banks continued as usual. Markets remained open, and people were seen out on the streets.
New Delhi estimates that this project could divert 40 billion cubic meters of water. To address this, the government has planned the ‘Siang Upper Multipurpose Project’ (SUMP), which is being managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
What is the reason for the protests?
This decision has triggered widespread protests across the Siang Valley. Many of the protesters belong to ‘Gen Z’ and argue that the proposed reservoir would lead to the flooding of 32 villages. On October 23, protesters demanding the cancellation of the project allegedly set fire to the NHPC office and police vehicles. It is also reported that they vandalized and looted the residences of two MLAs and the state president of the BJP.
Approximately 10 police cases have been registered, and 26 protesters have been arrested. When did the violence begin?
The violence erupted following a call for a 12-hour *bandh* (shutdown) organized by the ‘Adi Bane Kebang United’ and other groups to protest against a proposed project. The shutdown concluded peacefully at 5:00 PM; however, its impact was not felt in the Pasighat area.
Police station set on fire
Providing details on the incident, the police stated that sporadic violence continued for about nine hours on Saturday morning. More than 40 police personnel sustained injuries due to stone-pelting. One protester was struck in the leg by a tear-gas shell and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.
Administration expresses concern over potential breakdown of law and order
The East Siang district administration has prohibited public gatherings and processions in Pasighat, Mebo, and Ruksin. The administration fears that the protests and activities related to the shutdown could lead to acts of vandalism and arson.
The administration has expressed concern regarding a potential deterioration of law and order. In an order issued on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin stated that these restrictions would come into effect from 5:00 PM on October 24 and remain in force until withdrawn or modified.
Police provide details on the incident
IGP (Pasighat) Hibu Tamang reported that personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) also sustained serious injuries. The mob even pelted stones at the hospital where the injured central force personnel had been taken. At least nine police vehicles were damaged. The crowd dispersed around 4:00 AM.
Tamang stated, “A group of youths, identifying themselves as ‘Gen Z,’ suddenly appeared and staged a sit-in protest towards Mebo. Around 2:00 PM, this group entered the Pasighat area. They blocked the Pasighat-Boleng highway, halting vehicular movement. They had no clear demands.” They stated that they would begin an indefinite sit-in protest; slogans were also raised during this time.
The crowd turned violent as darkness fell.
The IGP stated that police and administrative officials attempted to persuade the group to vacate the highway, but the discussions—which lasted for two hours—yielded no results.
The IGP said, “As darkness fell, the group became highly violent and uncontrollable. A violent mob of 200–300 people began pelting the police and the magistrate with stones. Some of them were carrying bottles of liquor and beer and appeared to be intoxicated. The police exercised restraint and took no harsh measures other than firing tear gas shells.” The police added that they have recorded videos and photographs of the incident.
What are the protesters demanding?
This shutdown was jointly called by the Adi Bane Kebang United, the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (Youth Wing), and the Adi Galo Welfare Society across the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts.
These organizations are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists, the reinstatement of suspended ‘Gaon Burhas’ (village heads), the withdrawal of activities related to pre-feasibility surveys for the project, and the removal of paramilitary and central forces deployed in the area.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress has also condemned the violence and called for an independent inquiry into the alleged use of tear gas shells against protesters during the shutdown.
