Siang, Arunachal Pradesh: The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) on October 6 claimed that 67 villagers were injured during clashes with police amid protests against the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The forum alleged that 52 protesters were injured at Riga and 15 at Pangkang on October 4. The claims could not be independently verified.
Police had earlier said that eight personnel were injured and five people, including two women, were arrested following the clashes. The protests are linked to opposition to the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) exercise for the proposed project.
Read More: Gauhati University PGSU Election Dispute
Key Facts
- Location: Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
- Project: Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)
- Proposed capacity: 11,000 MW
- Date of clashes: October 4, 2026
- Forum: Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF)
- SIFF claim: 67 villagers injured
- Police statement: Eight personnel injured and five people arrested
- Main issue: Opposition to the PFR exercise and concerns over land, livelihoods and displacement
SIFF Claims 67 Villagers Were Injured
According to SIFF general secretary Likeng Libang, 52 protesters were injured at Riga and 15 at Pangkang during the confrontation with police.
The forum claimed that 31 people suffered major injuries, while 36 sustained minor injuries. However, the allegations have not been independently verified.
SIFF also alleged that eight vehicles belonging to project-affected families were damaged during the unrest. Four vehicles were reportedly damaged each at Riga and Pangkang.
The forum further claimed that seven project-affected people were injured near the Siang Bridge at Dite Dime. Five were reportedly from Riew village and two from Begging village.
According to SIFF, one of the seven people suffered serious injuries, while the other six sustained minor injuries.
Police Report Eight Personnel Injured
The latest allegations came a day after police reported that eight personnel were injured during the clashes.
Police also said five people, including two women, were arrested in connection with the October 4 violence in Siang district.
An official response from the administration or police to SIFF’s latest allegations regarding civilian injuries and vehicle damage was awaited.
Opposition to 11,000-MW Siang Project
The clashes took place during continuing protests against the Preliminary Feasibility Report exercise for the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project on the Siang River.
Project-affected communities have been demanding an immediate halt to surveys and other activities connected with the PFR.
Residents have raised concerns about the potential impact of the project on land, livelihoods, displacement and the environment.
The proposed large-scale water diversion has also become a major concern among communities living in the Siang region.
Government Says PFR Is Only an Initial Study
The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the PFR is only an initial technical exercise intended to assess whether the proposed project is feasible.
The government has clarified that the exercise does not amount to a final decision to construct the dam.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also stated that no final decision on construction would be taken before the completion of required technical studies, legal procedures and statutory consultations.
Despite these assurances, opposition to SUMP has continued in several project-affected areas.
Why Are Communities Opposing SUMP?
Local communities have expressed concerns about possible displacement, loss of land and changes to traditional livelihoods.
Environmental impacts and the consequences of diverting large quantities of river water are also among the issues raised by protesters.
The October 4 clashes have further intensified attention on the long-running dispute between project-affected communities and authorities over the proposed Siang project.
Questions and Answers
What happened in Siang district?
Clashes occurred on October 4 during protests against activities linked to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
How many villagers does SIFF claim were injured?
SIFF claimed that 67 villagers were injured at Riga and Pangkang.
What did police report?
Police said eight personnel were injured and five people, including two women, were arrested.
What is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?
SUMP is a proposed 11,000-MW multipurpose project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
Why are communities protesting?
Protesters have raised concerns about land, displacement, livelihoods, environmental impacts and large-scale water diversion.
Has the government approved construction?
No. The government says the current PFR is an initial technical assessment and that a final decision would follow required studies, legal procedures and consultations.
Location Context: The Siang region of Arunachal Pradesh is part of Northeast India and is home to indigenous communities whose livelihoods are closely connected with land and river systems. The proposed project has therefore become a major local development and environmental issue.
Also Read: Tawang Tourism Mart now puts Arunachal on global stage