Full Breakdown
Rapid Action Force Deployed to Arunachal After Violent Protests Over Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
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Background & Context
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a proposed 11,200-megawatt hydro-electric scheme spanning the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is promoted by the central government as a strategic counter to a Chinese dam upstream. Indigenous communities in the region have opposed the plan, fearing submergence of villages, displacement, and loss of cultural ties to the river, which is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet before entering India.
Timeline of Escalation
- October 23 – A 12-hour bandh was observed across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to protest SUMP.
- Friday night (following the bandh) – Protesters in Pasighat, East Siang district set fire to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office, attacked a police station, vandalised the Adi Baane Kebang office, and targeted the residences of state BJP president Kaling Moyong and legislators Ninong Ering and Oni Panyang.
- Early Saturday (? 3:30 a.m.) – Stone-pelting and clashes continued for nearly nine hours, injuring more than 40 police personnel; a protester was hit in the leg by a tear-gas shell and hospitalised.
- Saturday – The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the rapid air-lift of two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) from Navi Mumbai to Pasighat.
- Sunday – RAF units, totaling around 250 personnel, were expected to arrive in Pasighat and be deployed.
Data & Statistics
- Project size: 11,200 MW hydro-electric capacity.
- Security forces already present: Two to three CRPF battalions (permanent) plus additional CRPF units deployed after the violence began.
- RAF deployment: Approximately 250 personnel (two companies).
- Injuries: Over 40 police personnel injured in stone-pelting; one protester injured by tear-gas.
- Property damage: NHPC office torched; police station and vehicles damaged; residences of three political leaders vandalised; Adi Baane Kebang office vandalised.
Official Statements & Responses
- Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu emphasized that the right to peaceful protest is essential to democracy but warned that demonstrations must stay within legal bounds and avoid property damage or public-order disruption. He described the Pasighat incidents as “regrettable” and appealed for peace.
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered the air-lift of RAF personnel, citing the “prevailing security situation” and the need for rapid reinforcement. The RAF is described as a specialised anti-riot unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
- Arunachal Pradesh Police reported that CRPF personnel had effectively contained the protests since Friday and prevented further escalation, despite several injuries among police and central-force members.
Restrictions Imposed in East Siang District
Following the unrest, the district administration issued prohibitory orders for Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin:
- Gatherings of more than five people are banned.
- Rallies, marches and public meetings require prior written permission.
- Carrying of weapons or objects that could be used as weapons is prohibited.
These measures aim to prevent further vandalism, arson, or breaches of law and order while authorities assess the need for additional security deployments.