Protests against the deployment of central paramilitary forces for surveys for a hydropower project on the Siang river at Beging in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district intensified on Wednesday, with demonstrators blocking roads, clashing with security personnel and allegedly vandalising the residence of a local legislator during chief minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong.
Tensions escalated after protesters entered the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong and allegedly vandalised the premises while raising anti-dam slogans. Several government vehicles were also reportedly damaged, while a police vehicle was set ablaze near Dite Dime. Protesters also restricted movement outside a hotel where deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam, and chief minister’s advisor Ninong Ering were reportedly staying, affecting their movement to scheduled programmes. The state government has constituted an Empowered High-Level Committee headed by rural development and panchayati raj minister Ojing Tasing to coordinate and oversee the PFR process.
Raising their voices against the proposed over 10,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and the government’s move to carry out a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey, protesters demanded an immediate halt to survey activities and the withdrawal of security forces from project-affected areas.
Upper Siang deputy commissioner Ashok Tajo, however, said Khandu completed his scheduled official meeting in Yingkiong before leaving the district by helicopter. Khandu also said people have a democratic right to oppose the project and question the government, but maintained that protests should not involve destruction of public or private property.
The chief minister said the exercise, expected to take around three months, would determine whether the project is technically feasible and identify possible locations and technical parameters. He said subsequent processes, including social and environmental impact assessments, preparation of a detailed project report and public consultations, would depend on the PFR findings.
