Dam Protests Rock Arunachal; Protesters Ransack Lawmakers’ Homes

Protests against the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district turned violent on Friday night, continuing into Saturday morning. Demonstrators set fire to an office of the state-run power utility NHPC and a police station in Pasighat, while also vandalising and looting the residences of two MLAs, Ooni Panyang and Ninong Ering, alongside state BJP President Kaling Moyong. The unrest began after a 12-hour bandh called by organisations including Adi Bane Kebang United ended at 5:00 PM, leading a youth group identifying as ‘Gen Z’ to block the Pasighat-Boleng highway.

The situation escalated when security forces attempted to clear the highway blockades, resulting in heavy stone-pelting by crowds of 200 to 300 individuals. Over 40 police personnel were injured, with a Deputy Superintendent of Police transferred to Dibrugarh for advanced medical treatment, while a protester sustained injuries from a tear gas shell. Demonstrators damaged at least nine police vehicles, the office of Adi Bane Kebang, and pelted stones at a hospital treating injured officers. In response, the East Siang district administration imposed strict legal restrictions on public gatherings and rallies across Pasighat, Mebo, and Ruksin starting Saturday afternoon.

Reacting to the widespread violence, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed deep concern over the severe property destruction and appealed for calm among the public. Offering to hold structured discussions with the opposing organisations, Mr. Khandu stated, ‘The potential benefits and drawbacks could be discussed to address the stakeholders’ apprehensions.’ State authorities continue to monitor the region closely while maintaining heavy security enforcement to prevent any further outbreak of violence.

Source: The Times of India, Hindustan Times