Siang Project Protests Turn Violent in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR — Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh, with an NHPC office and a police station set on fire in Pasighat, East Siang district, on Friday night. Protesters also vandalised and looted the residences of state BJP president Kaling Moyong and legislators Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang.

More than 40 police personnel were reportedly injured in stone-pelting during the clashes. A deputy superintendent of police who suffered a serious head injury was taken to Dibrugarh in Assam for further treatment. Protesters also allegedly threw stones at a hospital where injured security personnel had been admitted.

The violence broke out after a 12-hour shutdown called by organisations opposing the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project had ended. The groups are demanding that preliminary project-related activities be halted, 10 arrested activists be released and central security forces deployed in the region be withdrawn.

Following the unrest, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin, restricting gatherings and other activities that could disrupt public order. Police have reportedly detained five youths in connection with the vandalism and alleged looting.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed concern over the violence, stressing that peaceful protest is a democratic right but that arson, vandalism and damage to public property cannot be accepted. He said the state government remained open to discussions with organisations and community representatives to address concerns about the project and explore its potential benefits and adverse impacts.