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Arunachal Pradesh protests over Siang hydropower project turn violent
Violent protests erupted in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, on October 23 over the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Demonstrators, including members of the Adi community and various indigenous organizations, clashed with police, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and looting. Reports indicate that government buildings, the NHPC office, and the residences of several elected officials were damaged or ransacked. Approximately 40 police personnel were injured during the unrest.
The project, managed by NHPC, is designed for large-scale hydropower generation and water storage to regulate river flows. The Indian government views the project as a strategic necessity to counter China’s proposed hydropower developments on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. However, local groups such as the Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU) and the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) oppose the dam due to fears of displacement, loss of ancestral lands, and ecological damage in a seismically sensitive region.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for transparency and open dialogue to address misinformation, emphasizing the need to balance national security with local rights. In response to the violence, the Union Home Ministry dispatched two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to the region. Authorities have arrested or detained at least 15 individuals in connection with the unrest.
Entities
Adi Bane Kebang United · Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum · Arunachal Pradesh · China · NHPC · NHPC Limited · Pasighat · Pema Khandu · Rapid Action Force · Siang Upper Multipurpose Project · United Tani Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) has a proposed capacity of 11,200 MW. highlandpost.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.downtoearth.org.in · www.thequint.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Union Home Ministry dispatched two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to Arunachal Pradesh. www.sentinelassam.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The project is intended to counter China's hydropower development on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. www.businesstoday.in · dailytimes.com.pk · www.downtoearth.org.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 40 police personnel were injured during the unrest. dailytimes.com.pk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least 15 people have been arrested or detained in connection with the violence. www.downtoearth.org.in
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Protesters targeted the residences of MLAs Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang. arunachal24.in
- [● 4 SOURCES] Chief Minister Pema Khandu held meetings with the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). highlandpost.com · www.sentinelassam.com · www.socialnews.xyz
- [● 3 SOURCES] Protests in Pasighat on October 23 involved stone-pelting, arson, and looting. arunachal24.in · www.downtoearth.org.in · www.thequint.com