Protests against the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district on Wednesday, with agitators vandalising the residence of a local MLA, blocking major roads, clashing with security personnel and setting a police vehicle on fire.
The unrest disrupted Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s two-day visit to Siang and Upper Siang districts, where he was scheduled to interact with government officials and community representatives. During the visit, Khandu highlighted concerns over erratic river flows, including sudden increases in upstream water discharge and water shortages during dry seasons, stressing the need for responsible water management.
The protests were led by residents opposing the government’s ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities and survey work for the proposed hydroelectric project on the Siang River. Demonstrators have also demanded the withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas expected to be affected by the project.
Despite the opposition, the state government maintains that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project would bring significant economic and social benefits, create employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen both water and energy security for Arunachal Pradesh and the country.
According to officials, protesters stormed the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong, where several ministers and legislators were staying, and vandalised the property. Demonstrators also blocked the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku road and routes leading towards Dite Dime.
Protesters gathered outside the Grand Siang Hotel and prevented Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam, and Chief Minister’s adviser Ninong Ering from attending Khandu’s programme.
Holding placards reading “No PFR, No Survey” and “Go Back CM”, the protesters criticised the government’s decision to conduct an official meeting rather than hold direct talks with communities likely to be affected by the project.
Tensions escalated when security personnel stopped a rally moving from the general ground toward the lower market area, resulting in scuffles. A police vehicle was set ablaze near the Dite Dime bridge, while several government vehicles were damaged at different locations.
The latest violence came just two days after a confrontation between villagers and Central Armed Police Forces at Geku on September 28, during which four people were briefly detained.
Opposition to the project has been driven by concerns over its scale and potential impact on villages and indigenous communities across the Siang Valley. Protesters have repeatedly sought greater consultation and clarity regarding the project’s environmental and social consequences.
The government has insisted that the PFR process is only a preliminary technical assessment and does not represent approval for dam construction. Khandu has repeatedly stated that the project would not proceed if found technically unviable and would not be implemented against the wishes of the people.
Despite the protests and road blockades, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo confirmed that the chief minister completed his scheduled official meeting in Yingkiong before leaving the district by helicopter.
During his visit, Khandu reiterated that the government remains open to dialogue and promised to return to Siang and Upper Siang districts for an extended stay to engage directly with residents and village leaders. He said future visits would include village-to-village interactions and meetings with those opposing the project.
Khandu also drew a distinction between the PFR process and the eventual construction of the dam, saying he was only requesting permission for the feasibility assessment. He maintained that the report would determine whether the project should move forward and reiterated that the dam could not be built without public support.
Meanwhile, villagers continue to oppose both the survey process and the deployment of additional paramilitary forces, arguing that their concerns must be addressed before any further steps are taken. The government, however, maintains that the security deployment is necessary to ensure the peaceful conduct of survey-related activities.
