Talks Offer or Pressure Tactic? Government Calls SIFF for Pasighat Meeting as Ebo Mili’s Facebook Gets Silenced

The Arunachal government has finally agreed to talk — but not before silencing one of the loudest voices opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. ITANAGAR, October 3 — Something interesting happened this week in Arunachal Pradesh. After Chief Minister Pema Khandu completed a tour of Upper Siang and Siang districts — a visit that drew … Read more

“It’s Not a Dam” — But the Valley Is Already on Fire: CM Pema Khandu Breaks Silence on Siang Protests

When the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh has to flee by helicopter from his own state’s district, something has gone deeply, seriously wrong. That is exactly what happened in Yingkiong on September 30, when protests over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent — forcing Chief Minister Pema Khandu to cut short his … Read more

Upper Siang SUMP Protests Escalate During Khandu Visit as Road Blockades, Clashes Disrupt Movement

YINGKIONG, September 30, 2026: Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) intensified across Upper Siang district on Wednesday as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited Yingkiong amid continuing opposition to the government’s proposed Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process. The Chief Minister’s two-day visit to Siang and Upper Siang districts coincided with strikes, road … Read more

“A Drill Hole Is Not a Dam” — Pema Khandu Walks Into the Storm in Upper Siang

Amid road blockades and simmering anger, Arunachal’s Chief Minister personally travels to one of the state’s most tense flashpoints — and makes a promise that has people both listening and wondering. Pema Khandu did not send a minister. He went himself. On Wednesday, Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister arrived in Siang and Upper Siang districts — … Read more

“Leave. And Don’t Come Back.” — Geku Villages Defy CM Khandu’s Upcoming Visit Over Controversial Dam Project

The roads are blocked. The anger is real. And Geku’s message to the government couldn’t be any clearer. As Chief Minister Pema Khandu prepares to visit Boleng in Siang district on September 29 and Yingkiong in Upper Siang district on September 30, the mood in the Siang Valley is anything but welcoming. Villagers in Geku … Read more

“No Force” — But the Ground in Siang Tells a Different Story

Pema Khandu says the government will not push the SUMP against the people’s will. Yet roads are blocked, four villagers were detained, and security is pouring in. Something doesn’t add up. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh says he won’t use force. But try telling that to the villagers of Geku, who spent Monday blocking … Read more

Arunachal Cabinet Creates Special Panel for Siang Dam Survey — But Villagers Aren’t Buying It

The Arunachal Pradesh government just made a move to fast-track one of the most controversial infrastructure projects in the state’s history — and it’s already stirring up fresh friction. The state Cabinet, on September 24, gave its approval to form an empowered high-level committee that will guide and coordinate the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey for … Read more

“Scrap It Now”: Adi Community Draws a Hard Line Against the 11,000 MW Siang Dam

They’ve had enough. The Adi Bane Kebang-United (ABK-U), the apex body of the Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh, has made its position crystal clear — the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) must go. Not be reviewed. Not be paused. Gone. At a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar on Tuesday, … Read more

Khandu’s Ultimatum: Back the Siang Dam or Face Action — But Opposition Isn’t Backing Down

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has long been a powder keg in Arunachal Pradesh. On Monday, Chief Minister Pema Khandu lit a match. Amid mounting resistance from indigenous communities against pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), Khandu convened a high-stakes consultative meeting in Itanagar — pulling in hundreds of … Read more

Skies Are About to Get Angry: IMD Warns of Rain and Thunderstorms Across Several Arunachal Districts

The clouds are gathering, and this time, the meteorologists are not guessing. Starting September 22, several districts across Arunachal Pradesh are bracing for rain and thunderstorms — and if you live in any of the affected areas, you’d be wise to pay attention. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather bulletin from its Meteorological … Read more