Arunachal dam protests spread to Daporijo; two security personnel hurt

Arunachal dam protests spread to Daporijo on Monday as a 12-hour bandh against a proposed hydropower project turned violent, leaving two security personnel injured, police said. Vehicles and project equipment were damaged in the Upper Subansiri district town.

The shutdown, called by the All Tagin Students’ Union and other groups, opposed the proposed Menga dam within the 1,605 MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project. It began at 5 am and also involved objections to an alleged attempt to detain union president Tadak Pakba.

Upper Subansiri superintendent of police Pawan Kumar Yadav said constable-driver Hibu Lasha and a CRPF member were hurt and transferred to Ziro for treatment. Police held a flag march and appealed for calm.

Officials seek representatives for talks

The Arunachal dam protests reflect concerns among student and community groups about land and livelihoods. In Daporijo, damage was reported to NHPC equipment, a company vehicle and two police vehicles.

The unrest followed clashes and property damage in Pasighat from Friday night into early Saturday. Those demonstrations concerned the proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, whose principal reservoir is planned near Geku village.

Protesters in Upper Siang sought the release of people arrested over the violence and four activists held preventively. They also demanded that central security personnel leave and that the project’s pre-feasibility survey stop immediately.

Upper Siang deputy commissioner Ashok Tajo said authorities were examining the detention cases, but releases needed further approvals. He said any withdrawal of central forces would depend on peace being restored.

Tajo urged villagers to choose representatives so discussions could begin. Separately, reports said police had requested two Rapid Action Force companies from Navi Mumbai as reinforcements for Pasighat.

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