Protests Erupt in Arunachal Pradesh Against Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

In Arunachal Pradesh, a 36-hour bandh has significantly disrupted daily life in Upper Siang district as protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project intensify. Demonstrators have voiced their concerns over the project's impact on indigenous communities, ancestral lands, and traditional livelihoods. The local government has reported closures of schools and businesses, while opposition groups demand the release of arrested protesters and the suspension of ongoing surveys. The project, which aims to be one of India's largest hydropower initiatives, faces strong resistance from the Adi community, raising questions about development at the cost of cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 2, 2026, 13:44 IST

Protests Disrupt Daily Life in Upper Siang District

A file image of an earlier protest against Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. (AT photo)

Itanagar, Nov 2: On Monday, daily activities in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district were significantly disrupted due to a 36-hour bandh organized to oppose the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Protesters set fire to tyres in various locations, leading to a halt in public transport, including buses, throughout the district.

According to officials, the bandh primarily impacted Upper Siang and East Siang districts, while Siang district remained largely unaffected.

Upper Siang's Deputy Commissioner, Ashok Tajo, reported that the shutdown resulted in the closure of government offices, schools, and businesses, especially in Yingkiong and Geku.

“Many government offices and educational institutions are shut down. Shops and businesses are also closed. The bandh is particularly effective in Yingkiong town and Geku,” Tajo stated.

In contrast, Siang's Superintendent of Police, Kamdam Sikhom, noted that his district experienced no disruptions, with all government offices, shops, and schools operating as usual.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Affected Area Youth Association initiated the bandh, claiming their demands had not been addressed. These demands include the release of detained protesters, withdrawal of security personnel, and suspension of ongoing surveys for the proposed hydropower project on the Siang River.

This ambitious project, intended to be one of India's largest hydropower ventures, has faced ongoing resistance from segments of the indigenous Adi community, particularly those living in areas that would be impacted by its development.

Additionally, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) called for the cancellation of the project and the release of individuals arrested during protests against the dam.

The party emphasized that no development initiative should compromise the ancestral lands, identities, cultures, and livelihoods of indigenous communities, insisting that prior consent from affected populations is crucial.

“Different groups but one voice; different organizations but one collective resolve — Stop SUMP, Save Siang,” the Congress party declared.

Opposition to the project is primarily driven by fears of submerging ancestral villages, displacing residents, losing agricultural land and forests, and disrupting traditional livelihoods and lifestyles.

Moreover, the project holds strategic importance for the central government, especially in light of China's proposed large-scale hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, which flows into India as the Siang.