Guwahati: An angry backlash against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh erupted into violence on Friday, with protesters reportedly setting fire to an NHPC office in Pasighat after security forces unleashed a lathicharge and fired tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators during a 12-hour bandh.

Two police vehicles were also reportedly set ablaze as tensions escalated, with several protesters, including women and students, sustaining injuries in the police action.

The violence has raised serious questions about the Arunachal Pradesh government’s handling of opposition to the controversial mega dam project and the use of force against communities demanding that their concerns and rights be respected.

Locals alleged that a peaceful protest turned violent after security personnel resorted indiscriminately to lathicharge and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Protesters claimed that several people were hit by tear gas shells and suffered breathing difficulties.

The bandh, which began at 5 am, was called across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to oppose the proposed project, with protesters also demanding the release of 10 arrested activists and the withdrawal of security forces deployed in the region.

Siang Superintendent of Police (SP) Kamdam Sikhom said around 150 to 200 protesters from Geku and Komkar areas of Upper Siang district gathered at Dite-Dime in Siang district around 7 am in support of the bandh.

He alleged that the protesters attempted to vandalise police barricades, hurled stones and violated prohibitory orders, forcing police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

“Four women were injured in the clash and admitted to a hospital,” another police officer said.

However, protesters alleged that the police response was excessive, claiming that several demonstrators were struck by tear gas shells. The allegations have intensified demands for an independent investigation into the use of force against the protesters.

The SP maintained that the bandh was observed peacefully in other parts of Siang district.

Violence also erupted near Ranaghat Bridge at Mebo in East Siang district, where several people sustained injuries and at least seven vehicles were damaged, officials said.

A cameraman working for a local news channel was also reportedly injured after a tear gas shell hit his leg, sources said.

East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba did not respond to repeated calls seeking comment.

The shutdown disrupted normal life across Siang and Upper Siang districts and parts of East Siang, with shops and business establishments remaining closed and residents largely staying indoors. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo, however, maintained that the bandh was observed peacefully in his district.

Government assurances under scrutiny

The bandh was jointly called by the Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society.

The organisations are demanding the release of ten arrested activists, the reinstatement of suspended gaon buras (village headmen), an immediate halt to all pre-feasibility activities for the project, and the withdrawal of paramilitary and central security forces deployed in the region.

The latest confrontation has also put the state government’s earlier assurances under scrutiny.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, during a meeting with the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) on October 13, had promised to release the detained youths, withdraw FIRs and scale down the security deployment.

The renewed violence has raised questions about the implementation of those assurances and whether the government is addressing the grievances of affected communities through dialogue or allowing the situation to deteriorate through an increasingly confrontational approach.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the proposed project is primarily intended to store and manage water in the Siang basin, particularly in view of concerns over China’s proposed mega dam on the Siang river upstream.

However, the strategic argument surrounding the project has done little to resolve local opposition, with affected communities demanding that their concerns over the project, their rights and the consequences for their land and livelihoods be addressed.

Congress demands independent probe

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) demanded an independent inquiry into the use of tear gas against protesters during the bandh.

APCC spokesperson Kon Jirjo Jotham said the incident at Dite-Dime raised serious concerns about the handling of public dissent and alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its assurances regarding the release of detained youths and the withdrawal of security forces.

The Congress demanded medical assistance for the injured and urged the state government to initiate dialogue with the affected communities.

It also stressed that development projects must respect indigenous rights, legal safeguards and meaningful public consultation.