‘No force’ for Siang dam: Why Pema Khandu’s visit comes amid protests and security buildup

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is scheduled to visit Boleng in Siang district and Yingkiong in Upper Siang district as part of a two-day Siang Belt Tour, amid continued opposition from local residents to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The proposed visit comes at a time when several villages across the Siang Valley are protesting the government’s plans to conduct pre-feasibility activities for the mega multipurpose project.

Residents in Upper Siang and Siang districts have opposed the proposed pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities, raising concerns over the project and its potential impact on local communities. The protests have also led to growing tensions between the administration and sections of the Adi community.

In Geku, villagers have reportedly opposed the Chief Minister’s proposed visit, saying they believe it is linked to the SUMP and the planned pre-feasibility activities.

Security arrangements in the area have also intensified. Additional security personnel were reportedly deployed in Geku on Monday in connection with preparations related to the project. A hostel at Geku Government College, which has not yet been allotted to students, was reportedly being used to accommodate security personnel, with further deployments expected.

The deployment has become a major point of contention among residents. Villagers continued their agitation on Monday, including road blockades, and reportedly asked security personnel stationed at different locations in Geku to leave the area. They also demanded that no additional forces be deployed.

Tensions escalated during the protests, with reports of clashes between villagers and security personnel. Government vehicles were allegedly damaged during the confrontation, following which four people were detained by Yingkiong Police for questioning.

The Superintendent of Police, Upper Siang, later clarified that the four individuals had been detained in connection with the alleged damage to government vehicles. The SP said police were conducting an inquiry to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The four detainees have since been released following the police inquiry. The SP also appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.

Khandu has previously described the SUMP as a project of national importance, citing concerns over China's plans for a mega hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which flows into India as the Siang.

The Chief Minister has previously warned that the Chinese project could pose a potential threat to downstream areas, likening the possible impact to a "water bomb". He has argued that the proposed SUMP would help Arunachal Pradesh and India manage the risks associated with developments upstream in China.

At the same time, Khandu has said the state government would not use force to implement the proposed project.

The Chief Minister has maintained that the government would not push the mega project against the wishes of local residents. He has also said the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel in the area is intended to maintain law and order and protect workers and equipment involved in project-related activities, rather than suppress protests.

Meanwhile, the administration has stepped up preparations for the proposed PFR activities. A review meeting on SUMP preparedness was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Boleng on Monday, chaired by Boleng MLA and Minister for Panchayat and Transport Ojing Tasing.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Siang, Superintendent of Police, heads of departments, representatives of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other stakeholders.

Officials reviewed ground-level preparedness, security arrangements, logistical requirements and coordination among various agencies for the proposed PFR-related activities.

The meeting stressed the need for coordination between the district administration, security forces and concerned departments. Officials were also asked to ensure timely logistical arrangements and maintain engagement with local communities to address their concerns and improve understanding of the proposed activities.

The SUMP has remained a contentious issue in the Siang Valley, with sections of the local population continuing to oppose the project and the proposed pre-feasibility activities.