Daporijo: A 12-hour bandh against the proposed 1,605-MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project (SUHEP), also known as the Menga Dam, disrupted normal life in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district, with reports of arson, vandalism and clashes with police.
The shutdown, called by the All Tagin Students’ Union (ATSU) and other student organisations and community groups, began at 5 am on Monday. Markets, commercial establishments and public transport were affected in the district, while the unrest in Daporijo led to the cancellation of a public hearing related to the proposed project.
According to sources, a vehicle was set on fire, a police vehicle was damaged and overturned, and equipment, computer peripherals and surveying instruments at an NHPC-related office were reportedly damaged or burnt. The extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the incidents had not been independently established at the time of writing.
The bandh was organised by the ATSU in coordination with the Daporijo Students’ Union, SINALITASU, Taliha Students’ Union, Dumporijo Students’ Union, land-affected forums and other community groups.
The organisations are demanding the permanent withdrawal of the proposed 1,605-MW project on the Subansiri River, citing concerns over environmental impacts, livelihoods, indigenous rights and the interests of affected communities. They have also sought the resolution of demands raised during previous agitations.
The shutdown was also linked to allegations that police searched the residence of ATSU president Tadak Pakba late on October 24 and attempted to detain him.
The student organisations have demanded an explanation from the district administration and police over the alleged attempt to detain Pakba, permanent withdrawal of the project and action on outstanding demands from earlier protests. They have indicated that further agitation may follow if their demands are not addressed.
Police and security personnel remained deployed in the district amid reports of a tense situation. A detailed official account of the incidents was not available at the time of writing, and no major casualties had been widely confirmed in the reports reviewed.
The latest unrest comes amid growing opposition to large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. On October 24, a 12-hour bandh against the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in the Siang valley was marred by violence and arson in Pasighat. The Centre subsequently ordered the deployment of two companies of the Rapid Action Force.
The protests have highlighted concerns raised by student organisations and sections of indigenous communities over the environmental and social consequences of proposed hydropower projects, including their potential impact on land, livelihoods and local communities.