Doomdooma: Hundreds of students and activists staged a protest outside Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, demanding the release of detained protesters, the withdrawal of the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh and the removal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed in the state.
The demonstration was organised by Himkhand and Youth for Change. Protesters raised slogans against the proposed hydropower project and the alleged use of force against indigenous communities and student organisations opposing it.
Delhi Police detained several demonstrators, including Siang hydropower activist Katon Moyong, popularly known as Aborman. Heavy police deployment was also reported outside Arunachal Bhawan.
The project, being pursued by the Pema Khandu-led BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh, is planned as a major hydropower and multipurpose infrastructure initiative. However, opponents say its possible impact on the Siang Valley’s indigenous communities and environment has not been adequately assessed.
Opposition to the project has grown across Arunachal Pradesh, with indigenous organisations, including the Adi Bane Kebang United and the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, raising concerns about the possible submergence of ancestral territories, displacement of villages and environmental damage.
The Siang region lies in the seismically active eastern Himalayan belt and is home to rich biodiversity. Its natural resources also support the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
Tensions increased after demonstrations in Pasighat last week reportedly turned violent following the use of tear gas by police to disperse protesters.
Authorities reported stone-pelting, injuries to police personnel and damage to public and private property.
Through the protest in Delhi, the organisers sought to draw national attention to the concerns of indigenous communities and called for the project to be withdrawn.
They argued that development should not come at the cost of ancestral land, cultural identity and the rights of affected communities.