Four people have been detained under preventive law amid unrest linked to the ongoing survey for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, following clashes between protesters and security forces in the Siang region.
Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikom said more than eight security personnel were injured in the disturbances, and five individuals, including two women, were detained in connection with the incidents. The detentions were made as a preventive measure amid the continuing tension around the project’s pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey work.
Home Minister Condemns Violence
Home and Inter-State Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung condemned the violent acts and urged protesters to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He emphasised that the PFR represents only an initial technical survey and stressed the need for peaceful dialogue to address the grievances of affected communities.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also reiterated the government’s position, stating that if experts find the project technically unfeasible, it would not be taken forward. He has maintained that the government will not move ahead against the wishes of the people.
Meeting Planned With Adi Groups
The chief minister is scheduled to meet representatives of Adi groups on October 13 to discuss their concerns about the proposed project, in what is expected to be a significant step towards addressing the grievances of the affected communities through dialogue.
The Adi Community’s Concerns
Opposition to the proposed project has been led by sections of the indigenous Adi community, including groups associated with the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum. Their concerns centre on possible displacement, loss of ancestral land and the environmental implications of the mega dam on the Siang river.
Protesters have demanded an immediate halt to the survey work and the withdrawal of central security forces from the area, seeking proper consultation before any further progress. Tensions have been rising since mid-September, with reports of road blockades and obstruction of survey machinery in the project areas.
A Project of National Importance
The proposed SUMP, envisaged by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) on the Siang river, is projected to have a capacity of around 11,000 MW and has been described by the Centre as being of national importance. The government has presented it as strategically significant, given the proposed dam activity upstream on the same river system.
Meanwhile, journalist bodies in the state have raised alarm over reported curbs on media coverage of the Upper Siang project, demanding disclosure of any directions issued to restrict journalistic reports on the matter.
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