Guwahati: Police reportedly used tear gas against anti-dam protesters in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday during a 12-hour bandh against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Five women were taken to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties. Police alleged that some protesters tried to breach barricades and attack security personnel.

The clash began around 7 am near the 65 Bridge at Dite-Dime, near Geku in Siang district, where people had gathered in support of the bandh. The five women were taken to Geku hospital after exposure to tear gas, and some were reportedly hit by the shells.

Several vehicles were also reportedly damaged. Further details about the women’s condition, the extent of the damage and the police response were not immediately available.

Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom said around 150 to 200 people, mainly from Geku and Komkar in Upper Siang district, reached Dite-Dime at about 7 am and attempted to enter Siang district.

He alleged that the group carried machetes, lathis, slingshots and other objects. According to Sikhom, protesters tried to damage barricades, obstructed security personnel and defied prohibitory orders issued by the district magistrate.

He also alleged that protesters threw stones at security forces, prompting police intervention. Sikhom said officers acted in the presence of an executive magistrate after making a formal announcement.

According to the SP, the shutdown continued peacefully in other parts of Siang district.

The bandh disrupted business and daily activities in Siang and Upper Siang districts and parts of East Siang. Many shops remained closed, and residents largely stayed indoors.

Four organisations jointly called the shutdown: Adi Bane Kebang United (ABK), SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA), Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) and Adi Galo Welfare Society.

They demanded the release of 10 arrested activists within 24 hours, the reinstatement of suspended gaon buras, a halt to all pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities in areas affected by the proposed dam, and the withdrawal of paramilitary and Central forces from the region.

The Geku Youth Association, the Siang unit of the Public Right Action Committee and several other organisations also supported the bandh.

However, the East Siang Downstream Dam Affected People’s Forum (ESDDAPF) said it and its members would not participate. The Bogong Banggo Kebang (BBK) opposed enforcing the bandh in its jurisdiction, saying it had not received prior notice.

In an order dated October 22, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin described the bandh call as unlawful.

The groups calling the bandh agreed with the district administration on Thursday to call off the protest in East Siang. However, several shops along the Ruksin-Pasighat-Mebo route remained closed, with local residents continuing to support the protesters.

Educational institutions and medical facilities largely remained open and continued their usual activities.