Arunachal's anti-dam campaign hardens as protesters snub Khandu’s dialogue offer

The anti-Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) agitation in Arunachal Pradesh has intensified, with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) rejecting Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s fresh offer for dialogue, insisting that all detained protesters be released and security forces withdrawn before any talks.

The organisations have warned of further escalation if the government fails to meet their demands. The SIFF has announced a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Yingkiong on Wednesday (November 4) if the detainees are not released.

Appeal from SIFF president

A 36-hour bandh called by SIFF and SAAYA, backed by student and community organisations, began at 5 am on Monday (November 2) across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts. It was lifted at 5 pm on Tuesday.

Mobile internet services were suspended across Upper Siang district, including Yingkiong, Simong, Komkar and Geku, from the night of November 1 amid tensions over the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the bandh called by SIFF and SAAYA. Authorities cited public order concerns and the need to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media.

Also read: Siang dam protests put BJP’s political hold on 7 Arunachal seats under scrutiny

Newly elected SIFF president Nobeng Burang appealed to people to support the agitation, expressing concern over the continued detention of youths. “Many of our youths are kept in jail. I appeal to all of you to support the agitation with full of your heart. We are concerned about the fate of our young boys,” he said on Monday.

SIFF chief adviser Anong Jongkey said the organisation would not attend any meeting until its members and other detained youths were released. He also demanded the withdrawal of the Army and paramilitary personnel deployed across Siang and Upper Siang.

Jongkey said the district administration had conveyed Khandu’s invitation for talks, but the forum declined it under the prevailing circumstances. He said SIFF would consider negotiations only after the release of the detainees and asked the chief minister to visit Geku and Yingkiong thereafter.

PRAC announces 12-hour bandh

Meanwhile, journalist-cum-activist Takam Sonia-led Public Rights Action Committee (PRAC) has also announced a 12-hour bandh across the Capital Complex (Itanagar) on November 4, demanding immediate attention to its concerns over the proposed SUMP.

The committee has placed several demands, including the immediate release of detained SUMP protesters, improved road maintenance, adequate medical supplies, proper ambulance facilities and transportation support for deceased persons. PRAC has warned that failure to fulfil its demands will lead to an indefinite bandh from November 4 to 8.

Also read: 'Siang dam project won’t be imposed on residents', says Arunachal CM Pema Khandu

In a similar move, the Adi Galo Welfare Society (ADWS) has sought permission from the Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner to organise a peaceful solidarity foot march from Geku to Itanagar on November 4 in support of communities affected by SUMP.

In a letter dated November 2, ADWS president Geyi Bagra and general secretary Sanju Taloh said the march was intended to express solidarity with affected families, seek justice and call for democratic dialogue and the lawful release of those detained in connection with SUMP-related developments.

ADWS’s protest march

The society has proposed a maximum of 10 participants, including the backup team, and assured the administration that the march would remain peaceful and non-violent. Participants would refrain from provocative or objectionable slogans and cooperate with the police and district administration.

The proposed route has been divided into three sections. In Upper Siang, the march will begin at Geku and pass through Sumsing, Komkar and Ligong before reaching Katan, the circle headquarters.

The second leg will cover Mariyang Crossroads, Ranaghat and Pasighat. The final stretch will pass through Mebo, Ruksin, Jonai/Silapathar along the Assam border, Banderdewa Gate and Naharlagun before reaching Itanagar.

Also read: Arunachal dam row escalates as police target accused, anti-dam protests spread

Responding to the demands, Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said the records of detained youths would be placed before the Advisory Board, which would take the final decision. He added that the withdrawal of central forces would be considered once the situation improved.

Khandu makes fresh appeal

In his fresh appeal for dialogue on Monday night, Khandu sought to allay concerns over SUMP, saying the government was only at the stage of preparing a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and had taken no decision on dam construction.

Acknowledging apprehensions among the Adi community over their land, homes and Aane Siang, the chief minister said it was his responsibility to explain the project, address concerns and ensure that the way forward was based on dialogue and public consent.

Khandu said SUMP was declared a National Project by the Union government on February 7, 2008, following a Union Cabinet decision. It is among 16 National Projects in the country, he said.

The China factor

Explaining the strategic context, he referred to reports of China beginning the construction of a dam in Medog County, around 40 km from the border, on the Yarlung Tsangpo river on July 19, 2025, without consulting India or sharing information.

Also read: Siang Valley on edge as arrests, CAPF deployment fail to deter anti-dam protesters

He said the valley faced risks from sudden high water flows, as well as water scarcity during the dry winter months, particularly as around 65% of Aane Siang originates in China.

“We cannot control what happens upstream, but we can control what we do on our side. We must prepare and build resilience,” Khandu said, adding that SUMP was one of the options that could be scientifically and technically examined to maintain ecological flows in the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers.

“Let me be clear. We are not talking about dam construction at this stage. I assure each and every one of you that no decision has been made regarding construction of the Siang UMP by either the government of India or the government of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

CM allays fears

Khandu said no decision on construction would be taken without extensive public consultations and consent, as required under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

He said the PFR was only the first step towards assessing the project’s feasibility, possible implications and alternative options. It would not amount to final approval or mean that the project would necessarily be built.

Also read: Arunachal anti-dam fury spreads, NHPC office vandalised as violence erupts again

The chief minister also rejected claims that families would be forcibly displaced or land acquired without consent, describing them as false information. He appealed to residents of Siang and Upper Siang and members of the Adi community to engage in discussions with elected representatives and government officials.

While reiterating his commitment to dialogue, Khandu condemned violence, bandhs, blockades and attacks, saying those taking the law into their own hands would face action. He also thanked the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum and community-based organisations for their efforts to promote peace.

36-hour shutdown stalls Upper Siang

The 36-hour shutdown had its strongest impact in Upper Siang, particularly in Yingkiong and Geku, where schools, government offices, shops, markets and business establishments remained closed. Public transport stayed off the roads, while protesters burnt tyres at several locations.

East Siang witnessed a partial impact, while officials in Siang district reported no significant disruption, with government offices, shops and schools functioning normally.

The bandh remained largely peaceful, with no fresh violence, injuries or major damage reported. However, tension continued in the region. Mobile internet services were suspended in Upper Siang from the night of November 1, while the district administration declared the bandh illegal under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023.

SIFF’s warning

SIFF president Nobeng Burang warned that the agitation would intensify if the demand was not met, including a dharna outside the Yingkiong Deputy Commissioner’s office from November 4.

Also read: Arunachal erupts over Siang mega dam; BJP leaders’ homes attacked, NHPC office torched

Meanwhile, police have reported 69 arrests and four detentions in connection with the October 23 violence during the anti-SUMP protest. The arrests were made across Upper Siang, Siang and East Siang districts under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014 (APUAPA).

SIFF spokesperson Tagori Mize claimed that at least 27 people were picked up from Pasighat, four from Geku and six from Riga. This breakup was provided by the organisation and has not been officially confirmed by the police.

East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba separately said 21 people had been arrested and six detained for questioning following the October 23 violence in Pasighat.

UAPA charges against four

Police also registered cases under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and, in one case, Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The alleged offences include unlawful assembly, rioting, obstruction of public servants, criminal conspiracy and damage to public property.

Notices were also served on 201 people under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Lawyer and activist Ebo Mili and youth leader Otul Jerang surrendered at Pasighat police station on October 24 and were subsequently lodged in Pasighat jail, where they began a hunger strike.

Four Geku residents — Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron — were detained under APUAPA. Reports said they were picked up from Pasighat and taken to Itanagar police station, though police did not officially confirm their whereabouts.

Five juveniles held in connection with the Pasighat violence case were sent to a juvenile home. Six others were detained for questioning.