Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Sep 30: Tensions remained high in Siang and Upper Siang districts on Wednesday as protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) intensified during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong.
Protesters and anti-dam activists blocked roads at several locations along the Yingkiong–Komkar–Geku stretch and towards Dite Dime following the Chief Minister’s interaction with local people at Yingkiong. The blockades reportedly prevented many people from reaching the meeting venue, though the interaction was held as scheduled.
The situation turned tense at Geku following a confrontation between protesters and security personnel, with reports of arrests.
Security personnel were also deployed around the private residence of Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang, where protesters later in the day allegedly entered the premises and damaged property, including some vehicles.
At Dite Dime Bridge, a police vehicle was also damaged during a confrontation between protesters and security personnel. According to police, a group of protesters was proceeding towards a PFR site and was stopped at a naka, following which the situation escalated.
Hundreds of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state armed police personnel have been deployed in the affected areas in connection with the ongoing PFR activities, drawing opposition from indigenous groups, which have termed the deployment excessive.
The Adi Baane Kebang-United (ABK-U) and Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) have reiterated their opposition to the proposed project and demanded an immediate halt to the PFR activities.
The developments come amid continuing demands from sections of the indigenous Adi community for wider consultation and greater clarity over the proposed SUMP and the implications of the ongoing PFR exercise.