Arunachal bandh over 11,200-MW Siang dam project turns violent, four women injured

A 12-hour bandh called by anti-dam groups against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh on October 23, with at least four women injured in a clash between protesters and security personnel, officials said.

The confrontation took place at Dite-Dime near Geku in Siang district, where police fired tear gas shells to disperse a crowd opposing the proposed mega dam.

According to officials, around 150-200 protesters from Geku and Komkar areas of Upper Siang district assembled at Dite-Dime around 7 am. They allegedly attempted to breach police barricades, damage police vehicles and pelt security personnel with stones while carrying machetes, lathis and slingshots.

Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom said the protesters attempted to vandalise barricades, hurled stones and violated prohibitory orders. He added that legal action was initiated in the presence of an executive magistrate.

Another police officer confirmed that four women were injured during the clash and admitted to a hospital.

Protesters, however, alleged that several people were hit by tear gas shells and experienced breathing difficulties during the confrontation.

The bandh disrupted normal life across Siang and Upper Siang districts and parts of East Siang district. Shops and business establishments remained closed, while residents largely stayed indoors.

The shutdown was jointly called by Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society.

The organisations are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended gaon buras (village headmen), withdrawal of all pre-feasibility activities related to the project and removal of paramilitary and central forces deployed in the region.

Sikhom said the bandh was being observed peacefully in other parts of Siang district. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo also said the shutdown was proceeding peacefully in his district.

The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced opposition from sections of local communities over concerns about its potential impact on land, livelihoods and the environment.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the project is primarily intended to store and regulate water in the Siang basin, particularly amid concerns over China's proposed mega dam upstream on the Siang river.