Overnight violence leaves seven police vehicles burnt and residences of political leaders vandalised, amid anger over alleged tear gas use and the detention of protesters opposing the Upper Siang dam project
Pasighat: Violent protests against the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project erupted in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district on Friday night, with demonstrators allegedly setting fire to an NHPC office and a police station, torching seven police vehicles and vandalising the residences of political leaders.
The unrest continued until around 4 am on Saturday. The residences and residential complexes of MLAs Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang, along with BJP state president Kaling Moyong’s property, were reportedly attacked during the violence.
The protests intensified following allegations that security personnel fired tear gas shells at bandh supporters in Geku, Upper Siang district, leaving four women seriously injured. Demonstrators, including young protesters, also demanded the release of 10 people detained during earlier anti-dam protests.
Eyewitnesses said police fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd before the NHPC office was allegedly set ablaze. Protesters also resorted to stone-pelting and arson, targeting government and police establishments.
The proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Project, entrusted to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), has faced sustained opposition from local communities concerned about the impact of the large dam.
The latest violence has heightened tensions in the region, with anger over the alleged use of force and the detention of protesters escalating into attacks on public and private property.
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