ITANAGAR, Oct 5: Several security personnel, including a senior CRPF officer, were injured and property was damaged during a violent confrontation at the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey site and entry point at Ugeng in Siang district, confirmed the Siang district administration on Monday.
According to a report from the administration, the incident occurred when a group of people allegedly assaulted security personnel at the survey site, located around 3 km from the main road, using machetes and other sharp weapons, besides damaging property.
Meanwhile, at the Ugeng entry point near the main road, a group of people from surrounding areas allegedly gathered and resorted to stone-pelting. During the incident, three houses were set on fire and tents occupied by CRPF personnel were also damaged, the report said.
It said security forces maintained absolute restraint and attempted to reason with the vandals gathered at the site to prevent further damage to life and property. However, they turned violent and assaulted security personnel using machetes and lathis with intention to cause harm and injury to security forces.
A senior CRPF officer of the rank of Assistant Commandant of the 174th Battalion sustained grievous injuries and was subsequently referred to Delhi for specialised medical treatment, according to the report. Several other security personnel also sustained serious injuries.
The situation was subsequently brought under control by the security forces.
The anti-dam protests have intensified in recent days amid opposition to the proposed SUMP and the government’s decision to undertake the PFR survey in the Siang region. Protesters have been demanding that the survey activities be stopped, security forces withdrawn and that affected communities be consulted before any further steps are taken.
The developments come days after Chief Minister Pema Khandu, while interacting with government officials at Boleng in Siang district on September 29, said the proposed project would not be taken forward if experts found it technically unviable after completion of the PFR.
Khandu had maintained that the PFR was intended to assess the technical feasibility of the project and did not amount to final approval for its construction.
Meanwhile, security and civil administration authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to maintain peace and order and prevent further escalation.
Further details of the incident are being ascertained by the concerned authorities.
PTI adds: Siang SP Kamdam Sikom said more than eight security personnel were injured in the clashes and five people, including two women, have so far been arrested in connection with the violence.
According to a complaint filed by Circle Officer Kalong Tasing, around 100-150 protesters charged at security personnel deployed about 2-2.5 km from the PFR site despite prohibitory orders.
CRPF Assistant Commandant Gajendra Singh Sonigra suffered a severe cut on his hand while trying to ward off a blow aimed at his neck, it said.
Police resorted to a lathicharge and fired tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, officials said.
Home Minister Mama Natung appealed for peace and said the government remained open to talks with those opposing the project.
“There is no issue that cannot be resolved through proper dialogue. We are all sisters and brothers, and we should maintain peace and not resort to violence,” Natung said.