By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A fresh wave of unrest has gripped Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district after several residents who recently endorsed the pre-feasibility study of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) reportedly came under attack from anti-dam protesters.
According to local sources, protesters allegedly damaged the properties of more than two dozen individuals in Geku on Monday. Among those affected was the residence of local legislator Oni Panyang, who had been present during the signing of an agreement backing the project’s preliminary assessment.
Officials said the disturbances erupted shortly after a gathering of anti-dam groups in the area. Following the meeting, a section of the crowd allegedly moved through the locality and vandalized houses belonging to families that had supported the project-related initiative.
While no formal police complaint had been filed at the time of reporting, authorities were engaged in efforts to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy. Security agencies and district officials are closely monitoring the situation amid growing tensions.
The controversy stems from an MoU signed on Saturday by 110 households from Geku, expressing support for the preparation of the project’s pre-feasibility report. The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and legislators Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang.
The development has triggered strong reactions among opponents of the proposed dam project, who argue that the move undermines the broader resistance against large-scale hydropower development in the Siang region. Several residents opposing the project have alleged that incentives offered by the government are being used to influence public opinion and create divisions within local communities.
With emotions running high on both sides of the debate, the district administration faces the challenge of maintaining peace while addressing concerns surrounding one of the region’s most contentious infrastructure proposals.