At least five people have been arrested in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley amid escalating tensions over the pre-feasibility report (PFR) study for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a hydropower project planned on the Siang River with a proposed capacity of more than 10,000 MW.
According to one arrest notice, the detention was linked to Case No. 22/26 registered at Boleng in Siang district under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The notice alleged that the accused had participated in an unlawful assembly and attacked Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in Uggeng. Earlier, the district administration had reported incidents of violence at both the Uggeng entry point and the project survey site.
While the administration stated that several security personnel were injured, including one who was airlifted to Delhi for treatment, local residents claimed that a number of villagers were also seriously injured during the clashes. Some reportedly suffered bleeding injuries and required medical treatment and stitches.
The latest confrontation in Uggeng highlights the growing conflict between authorities and local residents, particularly members of the Adi community, who have been strongly opposing the project. Despite continued resistance, the government remains committed to completing the PFR study within the next three months.
As part of the preparations, armed police personnel have been deployed across the valley. In Geku, a key centre of the anti-dam movement, security forces were seen conducting marches in full combat gear, further fuelling concerns among local residents.
Critics allege that alongside increased security measures, restrictions on dissent have also intensified. Several social media accounts critical of the project have reportedly been blocked, including the Facebook page of Upper Siang 24X7, a digital news platform known for covering local opposition to the project. The platform’s reporter, Shan Jijong, said he would continue reporting despite the restrictions. The account of advocate Ebo Mili, another vocal critic of the state’s hydropower policies, has also reportedly been withheld.
Meanwhile, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) has declined an invitation from Chief Minister Pema Khandu for talks scheduled in Pasighat on October 5. During a community meeting in Geku, the forum decided instead to propose a meeting after October 11. The chief minister had invited SIFF representatives for discussions on issues concerning the Adi community in the presence of legislators and the area’s Member of Parliament.
Observers say the government’s approach of combining a strong security presence with calls for dialogue comes in the wake of widespread protests that greeted Khandu during his September visit to Upper Siang and Siang districts. His visit triggered significant demonstrations against both the dam project and the ongoing PFR studies.
The proposed survey locations, including Parong, Dite Dime and Uggeng (Konggong Lingkok), continue to witness strong resistance from indigenous communities opposing the project.
