Clashes Erupt During Protest Against Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh
Protests Turn Violent in Arunachal Pradesh
A file image of CAPF jawans barricading a road during a protest in Siang. (Photo:@YashwanthPhamar/X)
Itanagar, Oct 24: On Friday, a 12-hour bandh against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh led to violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in the use of tear gas by security forces to disperse the crowd, according to officials.
The bandh commenced at 5 am in the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts, opposing the proposed 11,200 MW power project.
During the unrest at Dite-Dime near Geku in Siang district, approximately 150-200 protesters armed with machetes, lathis, and slingshots attempted to damage police vehicles and breach barricades, leading to confrontations with law enforcement, which left at least four women injured.
Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom reported that the protesters gathered around 7 am, violating prohibitory orders and attempting to vandalize police barricades. Law enforcement took necessary actions in the presence of an executive magistrate, and tear gas was deployed to control the situation.
Protesters claimed that many were affected by tear gas, experiencing breathing issues, while the SP noted that the bandh was largely peaceful in other areas of Siang district.
In East Siang, violence erupted near the Ranaghat Bridge at Mebo, where protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and damage to at least seven vehicles. A local news channel's cameraperson was also reportedly injured by a tear gas shell.
The shutdown significantly disrupted daily life across Siang and Upper Siang districts, with businesses closed and residents remaining indoors. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo stated that the bandh was observed peacefully.
The protest was organized by several groups, including Adi Bane Kebang United and the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing, who are demanding the release of ten detained activists, reinstatement of suspended village headmen, cessation of pre-feasibility activities, and withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the area.
The Arunachal Pradesh Government has asserted that the project aims to manage water resources in the Siang basin, especially in light of concerns regarding a proposed mega dam by China on the Siang river upstream.
In response to the clashes, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has called for an independent investigation into the use of tear gas against protesters and has urged the state government to provide medical assistance to the injured while advocating for dialogue with affected communities to ensure that development respects indigenous rights and legal protections.
This latest incident occurs amid rising tensions surrounding the proposed project. On October 13, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had agreed to consider reducing security presence in the Siang Valley and withdrawing FIRs related to the protests after discussions with local youth organizations.