Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Pasighat on Friday night, with the NHPC office, a police station and several police vehicles reportedly set ablaze.
The residences of two BJP legislators - Ninong Ering (Pasighat West) and Oni Panyang (Mariyang-Geku) - and the party's state president Kaling Moyong were also vandalised. Moreover, atleast nine police vehicles were damaged, police said on Saturday.
The violence followed a 12-hour bandh observed across Siang and Upper Siang districts and parts of East Siang on Friday against the proposed 11,200 MW project and related preparatory activities.
The bandh, called by the Adi Baane Kebang United (ABKU) and supported by several organisations, was linked to demands for the release of arrested activists, withdrawal of paramilitary forces from the Siang belt and suspension of SUMP pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey activities.
Although the shutdown was largely peaceful in several areas during the day, confrontations were reported at Dite-Dime near Geku and around Mebo in East Siang. Police alleged that protesters attempted to breach barricades and pelted stones, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least four women were reportedly injured and taken for medical treatment, while protesters also complained of breathing difficulties following the tear-gas use.
Tensions escalated in Pasighat after the bandh ended at 5 pm. According to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Pasighat, Hibu Tamang, a group of youths described as ‘Gen-Z’ continued the agitation and blocked the highway near Raneghat Bridge. Stone-pelting incidents and subsequent police action involving tear gas were reported.
Prominent anti-dam activist Ebo Mili and local youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered before Pasighat police on Saturday.
The unrest has intensified tensions over the proposed mega project, with opponents raising concerns over land rights, displacement, environmental impact and the deployment of security forces.