Security Reinforcement in Arunachal Pradesh Amid Protests
Increased Security Measures in Siang Valley
A file image of CAPF jawans barricading a road during a protest in Siang. (Photo:@YashwanthPhamar/X)
Itanagar, Oct 25: In response to escalating tensions in Arunachal Pradesh, the government has deployed approximately 250 members of the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Rapid Action Force (RAF) to the Siang Valley. This move comes as local protesters demand the withdrawal of central forces from the area.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered the airlift of two RAF companies from Navi Mumbai using an Indian Air Force transport aircraft.
Officials indicated that the personnel are expected to arrive in Pasighat and be operational by Sunday.
This deployment adds to the existing CRPF presence in areas affected by violence, where there are already two to three battalions stationed permanently.
The decision for additional deployment follows unrest in the East Siang district on Friday night, which erupted after a 12-hour bandh was called by groups opposing a proposed project.
While the bandh was largely peaceful throughout the day in Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts, disturbances occurred in Pasighat after the bandh concluded, lasting until around 3:30 am on Saturday.
According to police reports, a mob set fire to an NHPC office and a police station, and vandalized the homes of three political figures, including the state BJP president, in East Siang.
In light of the violence, Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the attacks on Saturday and urged protesters to express their grievances through dialogue instead of shutdowns.
He emphasized that the government is willing to negotiate and that the project will only advance with public agreement.
This reinforcement follows Chief Minister Khandu's earlier agreement to consider reducing security forces in the valley and to withdraw FIRs related to protests against the hydropower project.
On October 13, Khandu had stated that the government was inclined to lessen the security presence in the Siang Valley and retract FIRs associated with the protests.
The NHPC has been tasked with preliminary work for the proposed hydropower project, which has faced ongoing opposition from local communities concerned about ancestral land, livelihoods, environmental effects, and indigenous rights.