In Arunachal Pradesh, protests against the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent on Friday night, leaving at least 40 security personnel injured, officials claimed. Protesters allegedly torched a police station, an NHPC office and nine police vehicles. Reports also said the residences of National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Oni Panyang, BJP leader Ninong Ering and state BJP president Kaling Moyong were damaged and looted.
The violence followed a 12-hour bandh on October 23 across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts, highlighting growing opposition to the proposed mega dam on the Siang River.
Why are Arunachal people protesting against the Siang Dam project?
Opposition to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project centres on concerns about displacement, environmental damage and the potential impact on the traditional way of life of communities living in the Siang Valley.
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Sections of the Adi community have raised objections to the ongoing pre-feasibility report (PFR) process and survey activities for the proposed hydropower project. Residents fear that the development could affect their land, livelihoods and surrounding ecosystem, particularly given the region’s seismic vulnerability.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and its youth wing have emerged as prominent voices against the survey work. They have demanded that activities related to the project be stopped until the concerns of affected families are addressed.
What did CM Pema Khandu say about the Siang Dam protest?
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed concern on Saturday over reports of vandalism, looting and property damage in Pasighat following the bandh.
Amid the continuing protests, Khandu invited the youth wing of Adi Bane Kebang (ABK) and the Youth Association for discussions on the proposed 11,200 MW project.
The Chief Minister said he would dedicate the entire month to the Siang region and continue visiting the area until the pre-feasibility report process was completed.
Why is the Siang hydropower project important?
The state government has argued that the project could support economic development, create employment opportunities and strengthen water and energy security for Arunachal Pradesh and the country.
The proposal has also drawn attention amid concerns over China’s planned mega dam on the Brahmaputra upstream. However, the government has maintained that the ongoing pre-feasibility exercise is intended to assess the project’s viability and does not constitute final approval for construction. Public consultations and assessments would be required before a final decision.
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How did the Siang Dam protest turn violent?
The bandh was called by Adi Bane Kebang United, the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and the Adi Galo Welfare Society. While protests had continued for some time, tensions escalated during Friday’s shutdown, resulting in clashes, injuries and reported attacks on public infrastructure and political leaders’ residences.
The immediate challenge for the authorities is to address the unrest while navigating the competing concerns surrounding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.