[REVISION HISTORY]

Arunachal Pradesh Siang hydropower project protests

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2026-10-26 06:03 UTC → 2026-10-27 11:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Protests against the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh escalated into violence following a 12-hour bandh in the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts. During the unrest, protesters torched a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office and a police station in Pasighat, while also vandalizing the residences of several political leaders, including state BJP president Kaling Moyong and MLAs Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang. Clashes between security forces and mobs resulted in injuries to approximately 40 police and central security personnel, as well as at least four women. The central government responded by airlifting 250 Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel from Navi Mumbai to the region to reinforce local police and CRPF units. The project, intended to counter China’s upstream Yaxia hydropower scheme, faces opposition from local Adi community organizations citing concerns over land loss, displacement, and ecosystem damage. Indigenous groups, including the Adi Bane Kebang United and the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, have demanded a halt to survey work and the release of detained activists. In the aftermath of the violence, Chief Minister Pema Khandu called for transparency and open dialogue to address public apprehension and misinformation. At least 15 people have been arrested or detained in connection with the unrest, with some held under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Chief Minister has held meetings with all-party legislators to assess the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report and met with community-based organizations, such as the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), to balance national security interests with local environmental and rights-based concerns.

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