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3 clusters · 13 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Arunachal Pradesh Siang dam project protests

Overview

Protests regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh have escalated into violence. Demonstrators in the Siang and Upper Siang districts have clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and vandalized the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang.

The unrest follows the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to conduct a Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) survey. Local indigenous communities, including the Adi tribe and organizations such as the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and Adi Bané Kébang-United, strongly oppose the survey. They fear the project, which could require an investment of up to Rs 2 lakh crore, will devastate their land, forests, and traditional livelihoods. These groups have demanded an immediate halt to survey activities and the withdrawal of security forces.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described the hydropower project, which has a planned capacity of 11,000 to 12,500 MW, as a “national project” with significant strategic and security implications. He has emphasized that the PFR is a technical assessment intended to establish facts rather than a final approval for construction.

In response to the unrest, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to take action against government officials who allegedly oppose or cause disturbances regarding the project, noting that employees must follow state instructions. While acknowledging that local residents are the ultimate owners of the land, Khandu has pledged to increase awareness programs to address apprehensions and stated the government remains open to discussions.

Entities

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project · Pema Khandu · Arunachal Pradesh · Adi community · Alo Libang

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 9 sources
    Arunachal Pradesh protests over Siang hydropower project turn violent

    Violent protests erupted in Arunachal Pradesh over the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, with demonstrators vandalizing an MLA's home and clashing with security forces.

  2. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Arunachal Pradesh CM orders action against officials opposing Siang dam project

    Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has ordered action against officials opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and urged local communities to engage in dialogue regarding the massive hydropower initiative.

  3. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Arunachal Pradesh villagers block security forces at Siang dam site

    Villagers in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang district have blocked security forces from accessing the Ugeng site to protest the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and its pre-feasibility studies.

Sources

arunachal24.in · bhaskarlive.in · counterview.net · easternsentinel.in · epaper.assamtribune.com · maktoobmedia.com · nationalheraldindia.com · newindianexpress.com · news18.com · scroll.in · sentinelassam.com · tennews.in · ukhrultimes.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history