Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), 24 October (HS): Violence erupted in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Hydropower Project, with protesters allegedly setting fire to a police station, an NHPC office and seven vehicles.

Several organisations had called for a shutdown on Friday across Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang districts to oppose the proposed hydropower project. Although the shutdown affected several areas, Pasighat initially remained largely unaffected. However, tensions escalated even after the three-district shutdown officially ended at 5 pm.

According to reports, a group of protesters gathered at Ranaghat Tiniali and allegedly set fire to several police and security force vehicles. The vehicles were engulfed in flames amid the unrest.

When security personnel attempted to disperse the protesters, the demonstrators allegedly pelted the police team with stones, leaving several security personnel seriously injured.

As the situation deteriorated, police and security forces resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore order.

The unrest subsequently intensified, with protesters allegedly setting fire to the NHPC office and the Pasighat police station. Seven police vehicles were also reportedly torched.

The situation reportedly remained tense near Pasighat General Hospital, prompting authorities to tighten security arrangements in the area. Further developments were awaited.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash