Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), 24 October (HS): Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh’s Pasighat overnight, with demonstrators vandalising the residences of elected representatives and setting fire to government establishments and vehicles.

The protesters allegedly targeted the residential complexes and houses of MLAs Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang, as well as Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong. The NHPC office in Pasighat, a local police station and seven police vehicles were also set ablaze during the unrest.

The violence reportedly erupted following an incident in Geku in Upper Siang district, where security forces allegedly fired tear gas shells to disperse supporters of a bandh. Four women were reportedly seriously injured in the incident, triggering further anger among protesters.

Demonstrators, including members of the Gen Z group, have been demanding the immediate release of 10 people detained during earlier phases of the agitation against the proposed mega-dam project.

The project, being pursued by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), has faced sustained opposition from local communities over concerns about large-scale displacement and its potential environmental consequences.

Tensions had already been mounting in the region following an earlier attack on the residence of MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong. The latest incidents have further escalated the situation surrounding the controversial hydropower project.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash