A protest against the mega dam rocked the Arunachal capital

Members of several youth and social organizations held a solidarity rally in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital Itanagar on Thursday (October 29, 2026) demanding the release of people detained for opposing the mega-dam as opposed to China’s massive Yarlung Tsangpo hydroelectric project.

Also read | The violence means the closure of another proposed dam in Arunachal Pradesh

More than 30 people were detained following a violent protest in Siang State on October 23-24 against the proposed 11,200 megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) on the Siang River. Local residents say the project would spell disaster for the country and its people, but the government says it would minimize the impact of the 60,000 MW project China is building across the border.

The Yarlung Tsangpo flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, which meets the Dibang and Lohit to form the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The protesters, who gathered at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, demanded protection of land, rivers, indigenous identity and rights of local people. They said they were not against dams, but they could not allow the government to push its way into building massive structures that threatened people’s existence.

“We, the victims of the proposed SUMP, are fighting to protect our country, fundamental rights, culture and existence. We are peaceful Indians, but the government is treating us like second-class citizens,” said a leader of one of the local groups.

The protesters asked the government to drop the SUMP plan and withdraw security personnel from the Siang area. “The government is trying to conduct a preliminary feasibility study for SUMP by militarizing the area,” the protester said.

A week ago, mobs opposing the proposed SUMP set fire to the NHPC office tasked with preparing the preliminary feasibility report of the project and vandalized the houses of three politicians, including two MLAs. At least four women were injured in clashes with the police.

The anti-SUMP agitation has spread to Upper Subansiri district, which borders China, where the NHPC is pushing the proposed 1,605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project, also called Menga Dam. Violence was reported from several areas, including the Upper Subansiri Daporijo district headquarters, during the 12-hour shutdown of the project on Monday (October 26, 2026).

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) expressed deep concern over the tension surrounding SUMP and appealed to Chief Minister Pema Khandu to take early constructive steps to maintain peace and promote dialogue between the concerned parties.

“We appeal to the government to initiate a process of meaningful and constructive dialogue with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum together with other affected stakeholders to address concerns, reduce misunderstandings and prevent further escalation of tensions,” the forum said in a statement addressed to the chief minister.

The ACF and the Arunachal Tribal Forum offered to facilitate a dialogue between the state government and local groups opposed to the proposed SUMP. She announced that a high-level committee would assess the situation on the ground and explore ways to restore peace.

Published – 29 Oct 2026 21:55 IST