Siang Hydropower Project: Why Did Protesters Set NHPC Office, Police Station Ablaze in Arunachal Pradesh?

Protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent on Saturday, October 24, with a mob setting fire to a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office and a police station in East Siang district. Police vehicles were also torched, while the residences of two political leaders, including state BJP president Kaling Moyong, were vandalised. Reports also emerged that a former MLA's house was looted.

Several police personnel were injured after protesters allegedly pelted them with stones in Pasighat. Security personnel resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd, during which several women were also reportedly injured, officials said.

According to Pasighat Deputy Superintendent of Police Tony Tatak, the violence began around 11 pm on Friday after a 12-hour bandh called against the proposed hydropower project concluded.

Arunachal Pradesh Protests Turn Violent

Protesters Vandalise BJP Chief's Residence

The protesters allegedly vandalised the residences of BJP state unit president and former MLA Kaling Moyong, and Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering. The office of Adi Bane Kebang, the apex body of the Adi community, was also ransacked. 'Arunachal Pradesh Is an Indelible and Integral Part of India': MEA Rejects China’s Objections to Place Names.

Tatak said the NHPC office in Pasighat's high region area was set ablaze, along with a police station. Authorities were assessing the extent of the damage. The officer, who was also injured, said the protesters had come from the Mebo area.

Earlier, around 150-200 protesters allegedly armed with machetes, lathis and slingshots attempted to breach barricades and vandalise police vehicles. Clashes were also reported near Ranaghat Bridge in Mebo.

What Are Protesters Demanding?

The bandh was jointly called by several organisations, including Adi Bane Kebang United, SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society. India Names 27 Arunachal Pradesh Locations in Response to China’s Renaming Move.

Their demands include the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended gaon buras (village headmen), withdrawal of all pre-feasibility activities related to the project and removal of paramilitary and central forces deployed in the region.

Why Are Locals Opposing the Siang Hydropower Project?

The proposed 11,200-MW project has faced opposition from sections of local communities concerned about its potential impact on the Siang river basin, indigenous populations and their land.

The Arunachal Pradesh government has maintained that the project is intended to store and regulate water in the Siang basin, particularly amid concerns over China's proposed mega dam on the river. It has also cited national water and energy security, flood management and long-term socio-economic development as key objectives.

The government clarified that the ongoing activities are limited to technical and environmental surveys for preparing a pre-feasibility report to assess the project's viability.

Congress Demands Independent Inquiry

The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee condemned the violence and demanded an independent inquiry into the use of tear gas against protesters. Meanwhile, the state government urged residents to avoid rumours, misleading claims and fake news, asking them to rely on official notifications and authorised sources for information about the project.

The controversy highlights the continuing tensions between the proposed hydropower development and concerns over local communities' rights, land security and cultural heritage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 25, 2026 10:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).