An Upper Subansiri bandh turned tense on Monday as protesters opposing the proposed Menga dam clashed with police in Arunachal Pradesh. The 12-hour shutdown disrupted transport and business activity across the district, including Daporijo.
Reports said protesters damaged equipment at an office linked to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), while a police vehicle was damaged and overturned. The circumstances around the confrontation, including claims about an attempted detention of a student leader, were not immediately clear.
Upper Subansiri bandh disrupts daily life
The shutdown was observed on October 26 across Upper Subansiri district. Shops and commercial establishments were affected, while vehicles stayed off several roads. Daporijo, the district headquarters, saw disruption to normal activity.
The protest was organised against the proposed 1,605-megawatt Upper Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, also known as the Menga Dam, which is being pursued by NHPC. Protesters have opposed the plan amid concerns about its possible impact on local communities and their surroundings.
Reports said the protest escalated during the shutdown, with electronic office equipment and surveying tools allegedly damaged and set on fire at an NHPC-related office. Details about the extent of the damage and any injuries were not immediately available.
Why the Upper Subansiri bandh was called
The bandh reflected local opposition to the proposed hydropower project in the Menga area. Student groups and local organisations have been at the forefront of the shutdown, according to media reports. The protest also followed allegations that police searched the residence of the Tagin Students’ Union president late on Saturday and attempted to detain him.
Details surrounding the reported search and alleged detention attempt remained unclear. Authorities had not provided a full public account of the incident in reports available on Monday.
The Upper Subansiri bandh brought these grievances into public view, while reports of property damage added to concerns about public order. Responsibility for the damage and the events leading to the confrontation require confirmation from police and protest organisers.
Dam opposition and public concerns
The proposed project has become a focus of debate in the district. Hydropower projects can bring electricity and infrastructure development, while opponents may raise questions about land, livelihoods, environmental effects and local rights.
However, the specific concerns raised by organisers during Monday’s shutdown were not fully detailed in initial reports. There was also no confirmed update on the project’s approval or construction status. The proposal should not be described as an active construction site without official confirmation.
The Upper Subansiri bandh highlights the challenge of balancing infrastructure plans with consultation and public trust. Clear communication about project assessments, potential impacts and next steps could help residents understand the proposal and how their concerns may be considered.
Police response and the situation in Daporijo
The confrontation reportedly involved damage to a police vehicle and equipment at an office associated with the project. Available accounts did not establish the full sequence of events or clarify whether arrests were made in connection with Monday’s incidents.
Reports linked the unrest to claims of police trespass and an attempt to detain a student union leader. These remain allegations unless verified by an official account or further evidence. A response from the district administration and police would help establish the circumstances and any action taken.
Meanwhile, the shutdown affected movement and commercial activity during the 12-hour period. Information about police deployment, injuries and the restoration of normal activity was limited in the initial reports.
Upper Subansiri bandh puts dam debate back in focus
Monday’s events underline the opposition surrounding the proposed Menga Dam. The bandh signalled resistance to the project, but reported property damage and clashes have also raised concerns over how the dispute is unfolding.
The immediate priority is to establish a clear account of the confrontation and prevent further escalation. Authorities, project representatives and community groups will need to communicate openly if the disagreements are to be addressed peacefully.
For now, the Upper Subansiri bandh has disrupted daily life and brought renewed attention to the proposed 1,605-MW project. Further verified information is needed on the police response, protesters’ demands and the project’s next steps. Any decisions affecting local communities will require transparent communication and meaningful engagement with those who may be affected.
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