Anti-SUMP protest gained fresh momentum in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday, October 29, as youth groups, indigenous rights activists and civil society organisations rallied in Itanagar to demand the unconditional release of detained protesters opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The demonstrators also called for the withdrawal of cases registered against those involved in the agitation, highlighting growing tensions between affected communities and the state government over the controversial hydropower project. NDTV+1
The rally brought the concerns of residents from the Siang region to the state capital, with protesters emphasising the protection of ancestral land, indigenous identity and community rights. The demonstration came after unrest in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Pasighat, intensified following police action against people opposing the proposed project.
Anti-SUMP Protest Brings Indigenous Rights to the Forefront
The rally was organised with the participation of youth and civil society groups, including Youth for Change and the Arunachal unit of the Cockroach Janata Party. Participants gathered at Akashdeep Complex and proceeded towards IG Park in Itanagar, expressing solidarity with communities affected by the proposed mega dam. Deccan Chronicle+1
The demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans demanding the release of people in custody. They also urged authorities to withdraw criminal cases connected with the protests.
Organisers maintained that the immediate priority was to secure the release of detained activists and restore confidence between the government and local communities. They argued that the concerns of residents should be addressed through dialogue rather than through prolonged detention and an expanded security presence.
The rally also reflected growing opposition beyond the immediate project area, as activists and young people sought wider public support for the demands raised by communities in the Siang Valley.
Why the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Faces Opposition
The proposed SUMP is a major hydropower initiative planned for the Siang River basin. The project is expected to generate around 11,200 megawatts of electricity, although reported capacity estimates vary slightly across sources.
The government has linked the project to strategic and water-management concerns, including plans for a large hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in China. However, many residents and indigenous organisations remain concerned about the possible consequences for their communities.
Opponents fear that a large reservoir could affect ancestral land, agricultural fields, forests, villages and culturally significant locations. They have also raised questions about displacement, environmental damage, seismic risks and the long-term impact on livelihoods.
For many members of the Adi community, the Siang River is central to their cultural identity, traditional practices and agricultural life. Protesters argue that decisions concerning the river and surrounding land must involve meaningful consultation with the people who depend on them.
The Anti-SUMP protest has therefore developed into a wider debate about development, environmental protection and the rights of indigenous communities.
Detained Activists and Withdrawal of Cases
The demand for the release of detained protesters has become a central issue in the agitation. On October 9, the Upper Siang district administration ordered the preventive detention of four residents under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
The four were identified as Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron. Authorities cited concerns about public safety and the law-and-order situation amid continuing opposition to preparatory surveys for the project.
Tensions increased further following a 12-hour bandh on October 23 across Siang, Upper Siang and parts of East Siang districts. Clashes and incidents of arson and vandalism were reported in Pasighat, prompting police action and additional security deployment.
According to reports published on October 29, police had reported 26 arrests, including five juveniles, in connection with the unrest. Eight criminal cases were also registered. The figures relate to the reported crackdown following the October 23 incidents and should not be confused with the four preventive detention orders issued earlier. NDTV+1
The rally organisers have condemned violence while arguing that the grievances behind the protests must also be addressed. They want the government to release the detained youths, withdraw cases against protesters and create conditions for renewed discussions.
Security Deployment and Calls for Fresh Dialogue
Another major demand concerns the presence of Central Armed Police Forces in the affected areas. Protest groups argue that a heavy security deployment has increased anxiety among residents and made constructive engagement more difficult.
Organisations opposing the project have also called for a halt to pre-feasibility report activities until their concerns are addressed. The surveys are intended to assess the proposed project’s feasibility, but opponents question the process and argue that community consent must be taken seriously.
The Cockroach Janata Party, Youth for Change and Arunachal Dialogue Forum had called for the October 29 rally following a joint press conference in Itanagar. Arunachal Dialogue Forum representative Nun Pertin said the government should examine the reasons behind the unrest while maintaining a clear rejection of violence.
The groups also proposed fresh dialogue, including reconsideration of the mediators involved in discussions. Their position is that a peaceful resolution requires rebuilding trust between officials and affected communities.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condemned the violence and called for dialogue with stakeholders. The government has also stressed the importance of preparing the project’s pre-feasibility report. Arun Khabar+1
What Happens Next?
The latest Anti-SUMP protest highlights the urgent need to address competing concerns over infrastructure development, environmental protection and indigenous rights in Arunachal Pradesh. While the government considers the project’s strategic and energy-related objectives, affected residents are seeking assurances that their land, livelihoods and cultural heritage will not be overlooked.
The rally in Itanagar has brought renewed attention to the demand for the release of detainees and withdrawal of cases. Whether the latest demonstration leads to meaningful negotiations will depend on the government’s response and the willingness of all sides to engage peacefully. For now, the dispute remains unresolved, with protesters calling for concrete action before confidence in the dialogue process can be restored.
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