Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district on September 30, with demonstrators blocking roads, clashing with security personnel and allegedly vandalising the residence of local MLA Alo Libang.
The protests took place during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong, where opposition to the proposed mega hydropower project has intensified over the government’s plans to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey.
Villagers Demand Halt to Survey Activities
Protesters have demanded an immediate halt to PFR activities and survey work connected with the proposed project. They have also called for the withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas that could be affected by the project.
Demonstrators carried placards opposing the PFR process and sought direct consultations with communities that may be affected before any survey or further project-related activities are undertaken.
The latest demonstrations follow earlier clashes at Geku on September 28, when villagers and Central Armed Police Forces reportedly confronted each other during protests over the proposed survey and deployment of security personnel. Four people were detained following that incident.
Government Vehicles Damaged, Police Vehicle Torched
The situation escalated as protesters blocked the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku road and routes towards Dite Dime. Several government vehicles were reportedly damaged during the demonstrations.
Near the Dite Dime bridge, a police vehicle was reportedly set on fire. Security personnel intervened at several locations, resulting in clashes and scuffles with protesters.
The unrest also affected the movement of senior government officials who were in the area during the Chief Minister’s visit.
MLA’s Residence Allegedly Vandalised
Tensions escalated further in Yingkiong when protesters allegedly entered and vandalised the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang.
Reports said several ministers and legislators were staying at the residence during the Chief Minister’s visit. The incident came amid demonstrations against the proposed project and the ongoing preparations for the feasibility study.
The incidents have added to concerns over the increasingly tense situation surrounding the proposed dam.
What Is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a proposed large-scale hydropower and multipurpose project on the Siang River, with an estimated capacity of around 11,000 MW.
The Siang originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, before entering Arunachal Pradesh and eventually becoming the Brahmaputra in Assam. The proposed project has therefore attracted attention because of both its local and wider regional significance.
The project is intended to generate electricity and has also been discussed in the context of water management in the Siang basin.
Concerns Over Land, Livelihoods and Environment
Sections of the indigenous Adi community and organisations opposing the project have raised concerns over possible displacement, loss of ancestral and customary land, livelihoods, cultural identity and environmental impacts.
Opposition groups have also questioned the deployment of security personnel for survey-related activities and have called for greater involvement of local communities in decisions affecting the Siang Valley.
Human Rights of Arunachal has also called for greater transparency, safety assessments and dialogue with affected communities.
Government Says PFR Does Not Mean Dam Approval
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has maintained that the current PFR exercise is only a preliminary technical assessment and does not amount to approval for construction of the dam.
Khandu has said the feasibility study is intended to determine whether the project is technically viable. He has also indicated that further stages would involve additional assessments and consultations and that the project would not proceed if it is found technically unviable.
The government has also constituted an empowered committee headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing to coordinate and oversee the PFR process.
Debate Over Development and Community Concerns
The dispute reflects a wider debate in Arunachal Pradesh over the development of its substantial hydropower potential and the potential social and environmental consequences of large projects.
While the government has highlighted the potential importance of the Siang project for power generation and water management, opponents have focused on the possible effects on communities and the river ecosystem.
The controversy has also gained a broader regional dimension because of China’s ongoing hydropower development on the Yarlung Tsangpo upstream of Arunachal Pradesh.
Calls for Dialogue Continue
The latest violence has increased pressure for dialogue between the government and communities opposing the project. Protest groups are demanding that survey activities stop and that affected residents be directly consulted.
The government, meanwhile, maintains that the PFR is necessary to establish the project’s technical feasibility before any decision on construction is made.
As the Upper Siang protests continue, the immediate focus remains on maintaining peace, addressing community concerns and determining how the proposed feasibility process will proceed.