Violence Erupts in Pasighat Over Siang Hydropower Project

Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh: Violence erupted in Pasighat on October 23 as protesters opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) set fire to a police station, an NHPC office and seven police vehicles. Several security personnel were injured in stone-pelting, while a journalist was also reportedly hurt. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The unrest began after a shutdown across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts ended at 5 pm. Protesters are demanding the release of detained activists, the withdrawal of security forces from the Siang region and an immediate halt to survey work for the proposed 11,000-MW hydropower project. The situation remained tense following the incidents.