Itanagar, 26 October (H.S.): Arunachal

Pradesh government has intensified security across the Siang region, airlifting

two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) from Navi Mumbai as protests

against major hydropower projects turned violent in East Siang and Upper

Subansiri districts.

Inspector

General of Police Hibu Tamang said one company of the 102nd RAF Battalion had

reached Pasighat, while the second was expected shortly.

Three other RAF

companies were already deployed in Siang and Upper Siang districts, with

additional CRPF personnel mobilised from Assam.

A total of 34

companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed in the region, he

said, adding that women RAF personnel had also been mobilised.

The latest

unrest erupted on Monday during a 12-hour bandh in Upper Subansiri district

called by the All Tagin Students’ Union and other student and community

organisations against the proposed 1,605-MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric

Project, also known as the Menga Dam.

Reports said a

vehicle was set on fire, a police vehicle overturned and equipment at an

NHPC-related office was damaged. The agitation also led to the cancellation of

a public hearing on the project.

The

developments follow violent protests in Pasighat on Friday night against the

proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.

An NHPC office

and a police station were reportedly set ablaze, while the residences of

political leaders, including Arunachal BJP president Kaling Moyong, were

vandalised. Several police personnel were injured in stone-pelting during

clashes.

The protests

reflect opposition among sections of indigenous communities over possible

displacement, environmental damage and threats to ancestral land and

livelihoods.

Chief Minister

Pema Khandu has appealed for peace while maintaining that the government is

open to dialogue on the project and concerns raised by affected communities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb