Escalating Anti-Dam Protests in Arunachal Pradesh Amid Violence
Protests Against Menga Dam Intensify
A protester attacks a police vehicle during Monday’s bandh. (Media Source)
Daporijo, Oct 26: The anti-dam movement in Arunachal Pradesh has expanded from the Siang Valley to the Upper Subansiri district, where a bandh opposing the proposed 1,605-MW Menga Dam disrupted normal life in Daporijo on Monday, leading to incidents of violence and property damage.
The 12-hour shutdown was organized by the All-Tagin Students Union (ATSU) in partnership with several other student unions and local organizations representing the communities that would be impacted.
These groups are protesting against the Menga Dam, officially referred to as SUHEP, which is set to be constructed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC).
Concerns have been raised regarding the environmental repercussions of the project, as well as the rights of indigenous peoples and the welfare of local communities affected by the development.
Supporters of the bandh set up roadblocks, burned tires, and reportedly attacked vehicles traveling on the roads.
A police patrol vehicle was targeted on the main road in Daporijo, and another vehicle sustained damage during the early hours of the protest. Additionally, a two-wheeler was set ablaze.
In addition, several instruments and computer equipment at the NHPC office in Daporijo were reportedly set on fire by protestors.
There are also allegations that police attempted to detain ATSU president Tadak Pakba on October 25, although official confirmation of this incident is still pending.
This recent bandh indicates a growing anti-dam sentiment, which had previously been focused on the proposed SUMP in the Siang Valley.
On October 24, a similar 12-hour bandh in Pasighat against NHPC’s proposed 11,000-MW SUMP also experienced violence and arson.
This escalation follows the Centre's decision to deploy two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to Pasighat after reports of unrest during the previous bandh.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had urged for peace and dialogue in response to the violent protests against SUMP throughout the Siang Valley.
Numerous organizations have protested in the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts regarding the proposed project.
As opposition grows in Upper Subansiri, the issues surrounding the environmental impact of large hydropower projects, indigenous rights, and the interests of affected communities are becoming increasingly significant across the state.