Arunachal violence: Centre deploys two RAF companies as tensions over Siang project escalate

Tensions remained high in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday following violence during protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has rushed two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) Rapid Action Force (RAF) to the state.

The two companies, each comprising around 250 personnel, are scheduled to be airlifted from Navi Mumbai aboard an Indian Air Force transport aircraft and deployed in the violence-hit areas on Sunday. Several CRPF units are already stationed in the region.

Violence erupted on Friday night when a mob allegedly set fire to an NHPC office and a police station and vandalised the residences of three political leaders in East Siang district. Several police personnel were injured after protesters allegedly pelted them with stones in Pasighat.

The residences of BJP state unit president and former MLA Kaling Moyong, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering and MLA Oni Panyang were vandalized by the protesters.

The violence followed a 12-hour bandh observed on Friday across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. The shutdown was jointly called by the Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society.

According to officials, clashes continued until 3.30 am on Saturday.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday expressed concern over the incidents and reiterated the state government’s willingness to engage with organisations and associations opposed to the project.

“The government’s doors are always open. Any organisation or association that wants to discuss the SUMP project is welcome. People should question the government, discuss the possible benefits and negative aspects of the project, and seek clarification on their concerns,” he said.

The East Siang district administration imposed restrictions on public gatherings, processions and the carrying of weapons in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin. The order prohibits gatherings of more than five people in the notified areas.

It also bans vandalism, damage to public or private property, intimidation, violence and other activities that could disturb public order.

The proposed 11,200-MW project has faced opposition from sections of the local population over concerns about its potential impact on the Siang river basin and indigenous communities.

The state government, however, has maintained that the project is primarily intended to store and regulate water in the Siang basin, particularly amid concerns over China’s proposed mega dam on the river.