At least four women were injured during a clash between police and protesters opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh on October 23. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd during a 12-hour bandh against the proposed 11,200 MW project. The confrontation occurred at Dite-Dime near Geku in Siang district, where protesters allegedly attempted to breach police barricades and pelt security personnel with stones.
The incident disrupted normal life across Siang, Upper Siang and parts of East Siang district. Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of project-related preliminary activities and the release of arrested activists.
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Key Facts About the Siang Project Protest
- Location: Dite-Dime near Geku, Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
- Date: October 23, 2026
- Injuries: At least four women, according to officials
- Project: Proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
- Protest: A 12-hour bandh
- Police action: Tear gas shells were fired to disperse protesters
- Main demands: Release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended village headmen and withdrawal of project-related preliminary activities
- Organisers: Four regional organisations representing community, youth and welfare interests
Police Use Tear Gas During Clash at Dite-Dime
The confrontation began when approximately 150–200 protesters gathered at Dite-Dime around 7 am in support of the shutdown. According to officials, participants from Geku and Komkar areas of Upper Siang district allegedly attempted to breach police barricades, damage police vehicles and throw stones at security personnel.
Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom said the protesters allegedly vandalised barricades, pelted stones and violated prohibitory orders. He added that legal action had been initiated in the presence of an executive magistrate.
Police subsequently fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Another police officer confirmed that four women sustained injuries and were admitted to a hospital.
However, protesters claimed that several people were hit by tear gas shells and experienced breathing difficulties during the confrontation. The differing accounts highlight the tensions surrounding opposition to the proposed hydropower project.
Bandh Disrupts Normal Life in Siang Region
The 12-hour bandh affected daily activities across Siang and Upper Siang districts, as well as parts of East Siang. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed, while many residents stayed indoors.
Despite the clash at Dite-Dime, officials said the shutdown was proceeding peacefully in other areas. Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom and Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo both reported that the bandh remained peaceful in their respective districts outside the reported confrontation.
The shutdown was jointly called by Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society.
The organisations are pressing several demands. These include the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended gaon buras or village headmen, withdrawal of all pre-feasibility activities connected with the project, and removal of paramilitary and central security forces deployed in the region.
Why Are Communities Opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, with a planned capacity of 11,200 MW, has faced opposition from sections of local communities concerned about its possible effects on land, livelihoods and the environment.
Residents and community organisations have raised concerns about how the large-scale infrastructure project could affect people living in the Siang river basin. The latest bandh reflects continuing disagreements between sections of the local population and the authorities over the project’s future.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the project is primarily intended to store and regulate water in the Siang basin. The proposal has also gained strategic significance amid concerns about China’s proposed mega dam upstream on the Siang river.
The latest confrontation adds to the ongoing debate over hydropower development, local rights and environmental protection in Arunachal Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened in Arunachal Pradesh on October 23?
At least four women were injured in a clash between police and protesters opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
2. Where did the confrontation take place?
The clash occurred at Dite-Dime near Geku in Siang district during a 12-hour bandh.
3. What is the proposed capacity of the Siang project?
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has a planned capacity of 11,200 MW.
4. Why are protesters opposing the project?
Sections of local communities are concerned about its potential impact on land, livelihoods and the environment.
5. What are the protesters demanding?
They are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended village headmen, withdrawal of project-related pre-feasibility activities and removal of deployed paramilitary and central forces.
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