‘It’s not a dam, it’s just PFR’: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu amid protests over Siang project

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condemned the violence that broke out during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Upper Siang district, saying attacks on houses, vehicles and security personnel cannot be considered part of a protest.

Speaking on the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process for the proposed project, Khandu said the government had gone to the region to listen to people's concerns and clarify that the exercise was only a preliminary technical assessment.

“It’s not a protest — attacking houses, burning cars, attack on paramilitary forces, it’s a crime and the law will take its own action,” Khandu said.

He said the government was attempting to engage with local communities before any decision was taken on the project.

“We went to talk, consult and listen to the grievances. It’s not a dam, it’s just PFR, Pre-Feasibility Report, which will be done by drilling using equipment by the hydropower company. Later on, we will know the potential and feasibility of the project,” he said.

Khandu's remarks came after protests over the proposed project turned violent in Yingkiong on September 30, during his two-day visit to the Siang and Upper Siang districts. Protesters opposing the PFR process blocked roads, clashed with security personnel and damaged government vehicles. The residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang was also allegedly vandalised.

The protests forced Khandu to leave Upper Siang by helicopter after his scheduled engagements amid the deteriorating law-and-order situation. The demonstrations also affected the movement of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and other ministers who were in Yingkiong.

The proposed SUMP, with an installed capacity of around 11,000 MW, has faced sustained opposition from sections of indigenous communities in the Siang Valley. Residents and local groups have raised concerns over possible displacement, environmental consequences and the impact on their traditional way of life. They have also demanded that PFR activities and survey-related work be stopped and that security forces deployed in the area be withdrawn.

Tensions had already risen on September 28, when villagers in Geku clashed with security personnel deployed in connection with preparations for the PFR survey. The latest protests spread across Yingkiong, Geku, Komkar and adjoining areas, with road blockades reported along key routes.

The state government has maintained that the PFR does not amount to final approval for construction of the project. Khandu has said the exercise is intended to establish the project's technical feasibility and assess its possible implications before any further decision is taken.

The Siang River enters India through Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district after originating in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. It later flows into Assam as the Brahmaputra. The proposed project has also been described by the state government as having strategic significance because of the river's location along India's border with China.