Release of Protesters in Arunachal Pradesh Amid Controversy Over Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

In Arunachal Pradesh, four protesters against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project have been released after nearly a month in detention. Their release follows negotiations with the state government, which has agreed to address key demands from the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum. The ongoing opposition to the project stems from concerns about displacement and environmental impacts. The government is urging dialogue while maintaining that legal processes must be followed regarding the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. The situation remains tense as the forum awaits further responses from the government.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 7, 2026, 14:33 IST

Protesters Released After Month-Long Detention

A file image of CAPF jawans barricading a road during a protest in Siang. (Photo:@YashwanthPhamar/X)

Itanagar, Nov 7: Four individuals who were protesting against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh have been released from Jully Central Jail near Itanagar on Saturday, nearly a month following their arrest.

The detainees, named Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh, and Oson Paron, were taken into custody on October 9 under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, according to officials.

Their release was granted a day after the state government decided to release them as a gesture of goodwill in response to the demands made by the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum (SIFF), which has been at the forefront of the protests against the mega dam project.

In a letter dated November 6, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also approved the reinstatement of gaonburas and gaonburis who had faced disciplinary actions related to the SUMP protests.

The release of these four protesters was a significant demand from SIFF before they would agree to engage in discussions with the government.

Previously, the forum had declined Chief Minister Khandu's invitation for talks, insisting that their demands, including the release of detainees and the withdrawal of security forces, be addressed first.

However, the government clarified that the withdrawal of FIRs against the protesters would need to follow the appropriate legal procedures.

Additionally, the demand for the removal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel from the area will be discussed in the upcoming meeting with SIFF representatives, considering the current security situation.

The government has encouraged SIFF to resume dialogue and provide a suitable date along with a list of delegates for a proposed meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Furthermore, the government urged the organization to promote peace among residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts, advising against violence, intimidation, and attacks.

The communication from the CMO, signed by Shibu Thomas, Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of the Adi community through a mutually agreeable plan.

However, the latest government response did not include the reinstatement of suspended or terminated government employees, which was another demand from the forum.

The proposed project has faced ongoing opposition from segments of the indigenous Adi community due to fears of displacement, submergence of ancestral lands, and environmental impacts.

Khandu previously stated that neither the central nor state government had approved the construction of the project, and only the preparation of a pre-feasibility report was currently under consideration.

Responses from SIFF regarding the government's recent initiatives are still awaited.