Anti-Siang dam protests turn violent in Arunachal, over 40 police personnel injured

New Delhi: Protests against Arunachal Pradesh’s proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project turned violent in Pasighat on Friday night. Protesters allegedly set fire to an NHPC office and a police station, police said.

Police also accused protesters of vandalising and looting the homes of two MLAs and the state BJP president. The violence continued in waves for nearly nine hours before the groups dispersed around 4am on Saturday.

Over 40 personnel injured

Police said stone-pelting injured more than 40 personnel. A tear gas shell hit a protester in the leg, and the protester was admitted to hospital. Pasighat Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Hibu Tamang said a deputy superintendent of police suffered a head injury. Authorities evacuated the officer to Dibrugarh for treatment. Central police force personnel also suffered serious injuries, he said.

According to police, the mob pelted stones at a hospital where injured central force personnel had been taken. At least nine police vehicles suffered damage.

Restrictions across three areas

East Siang Deputy Commissioner Jayanti Pertin issued an executive order on Saturday restricting public gatherings and processions in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin. The restrictions took effect at 5pm on October 24 and will remain until authorities withdraw or modify them. The administration cited fears of vandalism, arson and a possible breach of law and order after protests and bandh-related activities.

Police recount highway blockade

The unrest followed a 12-hour bandh called by Adi Baane Kebang United and other organisations against the project. The bandh ended peacefully at 5pm, though Pasighat did not observe it. Tamang said a youth group calling itself ‘Gen Z’ entered Pasighat jurisdiction around 2pm after holding a dharna on the Mebo side. He said the group blocked the Pasighat-Boleng highway and refused to allow traffic through.

Police and civil officials tried for two hours to persuade the protesters to leave the highway, he said.

“As darkness fell, the group became very violent and unruly. A violent mob of 200-300 began pelting stones at police and the magistrate. Some of them were carrying liquor and beer bottles in their hands and were intoxicated. Police handled it gently and did nothing other than using tear gas,” the IGP said. Police said they documented the incident through videos and photographs.