Itanagar: Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, October 23, as police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators during a 12-hour bandh across Siang, Upper Siang and parts of East Siang districts. Several people were injured in clashes, while vehicles were damaged in separate incidents.
One confrontation took place at Dite-Dime near Geku in Siang district, where around 150 to 200 protesters from the Geku and Komkar areas gathered in support of the shutdown. According to police, demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach barricades, damage police vehicles and pelt security personnel with stones. Police subsequently fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
At least four women were injured in the confrontation and admitted to hospital, officials said. Protesters alleged that several people were struck by tear gas canisters and suffered breathing difficulties. The reported injuries highlighted the escalating tensions between security personnel and communities opposing the project.
Violence was also reported near Ranaghat Bridge in Mebo, East Siang district, where protesters allegedly threw stones at police, prompting security forces to use tear gas. Several people were injured, and at least seven vehicles were reportedly damaged. A cameraperson from a local news channel was also reported injured after being hit in the leg by a tear gas shell.
The bandh was jointly called by the Adi Bane Kebang United, the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and the Adi Galo Welfare Society. The organisations demanded the release of 10 detained activists, reinstatement of suspended village headmen, withdrawal of pre-feasibility survey activities and removal of central and paramilitary forces deployed in the region.
Opposition to the proposed 11,200-MW project stems from concerns among sections of local communities over displacement, livelihoods, environmental damage and seismic risks. The state government has maintained that the project is intended to help regulate and store water in the Siang basin, particularly amid concerns about China's proposed upstream mega dam.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee called for an independent inquiry into the use of tear gas and urged the government to engage with affected communities.