Protests Against Siang Hydropower Project Turn Violent in Pasighat: Police Station, NHPC Office and Seven Vehicles Reportedly Set Ablaze

Tensions have escalated in Pasighat, East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, amid protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). According to reports, a police station, the NHPC office and seven vehicles were set ablaze during the unrest.

Several organisations had called for a shutdown on Friday across three districts of Arunachal Pradesh — Siang, East Siang and Upper Siang — in protest against the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Hydropower Project. Although the shutdown affected several areas, Pasighat initially remained largely unaffected.

Despite the shutdown officially ending at 5 PM, tensions continued in Pasighat, with the situation reportedly turning violent later in the evening.

According to reports, protesters set fire to several police and security force vehicles at Ranaghat Tri-Junction in Pasighat. The vehicles were engulfed in flames during the night. When security personnel attempted to control the situation, protesters allegedly pelted stones at the security forces, leaving several personnel seriously injured.

As the situation deteriorated, police and security personnel were reportedly forced to use tear gas to disperse the protesters and bring the situation under control.

In a further escalation, the NHPC office located in the High Region of Pasighat was also reportedly set ablaze. Reports further indicate that the Pasighat Police Station was targeted and set on fire. As many as seven police and security force vehicles were also reportedly torched.

The situation was also reported to have worsened near Pasighat General Hospital. In view of the unrest, security arrangements across the area have been tightened.

The violence comes amid growing opposition to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which has triggered protests across parts of Arunachal Pradesh.