The central government has sent approximately 250 Rapid Action Force personnel to the state following Friday night’s unrest, while the district administration has restricted public gatherings in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin. The additional personnel belong to two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force’s specialised riot-control unit.
Protesters opposing the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project allegedly attacked an NHPC office, Pasighat police station and police vehicles. They also vandalised the residences of two legislators and Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong, according to police and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Khandu identified the affected legislators as Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang. He said the homes were vandalised amid allegations of looting and theft, while the office complex of the Adi Baane Kebang, an organisation representing the Adi community, was also damaged.
Police said roughly 40 security personnel were injured during the disturbances, although accounts of the number of injured officers and damaged vehicles have varied. Deputy Superintendent of Police Tony Tatak was among those hurt. At least one protester was injured during police efforts to disperse demonstrators.
The violence followed a 12-hour shutdown organised on Friday across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts by groups opposed to the project. The shutdown had largely ended peacefully before confrontations developed in Pasighat late that evening and continued into Saturday’s early hours.
Khandu said the attacks continued until approximately 3.30 am. He condemned the destruction and urged residents to maintain peace, while acknowledging the right to demonstrate against government decisions through lawful means.
The chief minister offered talks with organisations, associations and other stakeholders opposing the project, saying his government was prepared to discuss both its potential advantages and the concerns raised by affected communities. He offered to meet representatives in Itanagar, Pasighat or another mutually convenient location.
Khandu also reiterated the government’s position that public consensus would be central to decisions on advancing the project. Opponents, however, have sought a halt to preliminary activities and raised objections concerning displacement, environmental damage and the consequences for communities along the Siang River.
The protesting organisations have demanded the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended village headmen and withdrawal of paramilitary and central security forces from the affected areas. They have also called for an end to activities connected with assessing the project’s feasibility.
The Adi Baane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society were among the organisations behind the shutdown. Their demands reflect opposition not only to construction of the dam but also to preparatory surveys and the deployment of security personnel in communities where resistance to the proposal has persisted.
Police and demonstrators have offered differing accounts of the confrontations. Officials accused groups of throwing stones at security personnel and damaging vehicles, while protesters alleged that police used tear gas against people taking part in a peaceful gathering. The circumstances of the initial confrontation remain disputed.
The East Siang administration imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita from 5 pm on Saturday. The order prohibits gatherings of more than five people, unauthorised processions and the carrying of weapons in the designated areas.
The restrictions also cover public meetings and demonstrations without prior permission. Officials said the measures were intended to prevent further damage to property and disturbances while security personnel maintained a presence in vulnerable locations.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the violence and called for an independent investigation into the use of tear gas against demonstrators. The competing allegations have added to pressure for a clear account of police actions and the events preceding the attacks.
Police have detained five youths for questioning in connection with alleged vandalism and robbery at residential properties. The precise extent of the damage remains under assessment, with accounts differing on whether fires destroyed buildings or principally affected vehicles and materials inside their premises.
Shops and businesses in Pasighat remained closed on Saturday following the overnight disturbances, although vehicles continued moving through the town. The proposed project is being pursued by NHPC on the Siang River.
