The violence in Upper Siang district, which started on Friday, continued into the early hours of Saturday
TBS Report
25 October, 2026, 12:05 pm
Last modified: 25 October, 2026, 12:08 pm
The agitation against a proposed multipurpose dam in two districts of Arunachal Pradesh took a violent turn on Saturday, with protesters attacking the residences of political leaders, including the state BJP chief, and setting fire to an office of an Indian government-owned power company, a police station and police vehicles.
The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the proposed 11,200MW project is primarily aimed at storing and managing the waters in the Siang river basin, particularly in view of concerns over China's proposed mega dam on the river in Tibet, upstream of India, which has raised concerns in downstream India and Bangladesh.
The violence in Upper Siang district, which started on Friday, continued into the early hours of Saturday. Houses belonging to legislators Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang, and Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong, were vandalised by protesters, chief minister Pema Khandu said.
On Friday, four women were injured when security personnel fired tear gas shells at protesters demanding the release of 10 people detained during a 12-hour general strike called to oppose the power project.
A senior police officer said demonstrators resorted to stone-throwing and arson, targeting government and police establishments in Pasighat.
Khandu told reporters in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, that the 12-hour bandh was largely peaceful in Siang and Upper Siang districts and in Pasighat during the day. However, incidents were reported in Pasighat after the strike ended.
He urged all sections of society to maintain peace and ensure that such incidents were not repeated.
On concerns surrounding the dam project proposed by the public sector National Hydropower Corporation, the chief minister said the state government was open to discussions with all organisations, associations and other stakeholders.
"People should question the government, discuss the possible benefits and negative aspects of the project and seek clarification on their concerns," he said.