Violence erupts in Pasighat as protests over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project turn violent

On October 23 2026, a 12-hour bandh across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts ended peacefully in most towns. In Pasighat the shutdown ended at 5 p.m.; a mob then set fire to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office, torched a police station and vandalised the homes of three political leaders, including state BJP president Kaling Moyong, MLA Ninong Ering and MLA Oni Panyang. The unrest continued until about 3.30 a.m. on October 24 2026.

Office Vandalised, Vehicles Set On Fire In Arunachal Anti-Dam Protest

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the air-lifting of two Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies—?250 personnel—from Navi Mumbai to Pasighat. The forces arrived and were deployed by October 25 2026, joining the existing Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) presence.

Govt sends 250 riot control troops to Arunachal after anti-dam stir turns violent

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a proposed hydro-electric scheme on the Siang River (the Indian stretch of the Yarlung Tsangpo) with a reported capacity of 11,200 MW (other sources cite 11,500 MW or 10,000-11,000 MW). The state government presents the dam as a buffer against China’s upstream mega-dam, citing flood-control and water-security benefits. Indigenous Adi communities fear displacement, loss of land and ecological damage.

Hindustan Times

• Project capacity: 11,200 MW (reported variations).

The Hindu

• RAF deployment: ?250 personnel.

New Indian Express

• Injuries: more than 40 police and central-force personnel; a deputy superintendent suffered a head injury and was evacuated to Dibrugarh.

Siang protests turn violent, protesters torch NHPC office, loot MLAs’ houses in Pasighat

• Property damage: NHPC office, police station, several police vehicles and three political residences were set ablaze or vandalised.

Centre rushes 250 RAF personnel to Arunachal after violent protests over hydropower project

• Arrests: at least 15 detained; six cases registered.

Cops detain 15 after Pasighat violence; Centre deploys RAF

The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the RAF deployment to restore order. Chief Minister Pema Khandu called the incidents “regrettable,” reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest and urged dialogue on the project. District Magistrate Jayanti Pertin said the situation was under control by the following morning and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin. Inspector General of Police Hibu Tamang noted more than 40 police injuries in stone-pelting and said investigations were underway.

Centre rushes RAF cos to violence-hit Arunachal

Opposition leaders say the project proceeds without adequate consultation. Bosiram Siram, president of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee, warned that implementation is impossible without convincing local landowners. Tajom Ejing, a resident of Geku village, criticised the state’s reliance on military forces instead of direct community engagement.

The Indian Express

Sources differ on the project’s installed capacity—figures range from 11,200 MW to 11,500 MW and a broader estimate of 10,000-11,000 MW. The project’s status is variably described as a “pre-feasibility” exercise or a “mega-dam” already under design. No definitive construction timeline has been provided, and the extent of community consultation remains unclear.

The Hindu

• “Unless the local people, indigenous farmers and villagers are convinced, it is not possible to implement the project because the landowners are reluctant.” — Bosiram Siram, APCC president

The Indian Express

• “The current situation is very tough because residents of the affected areas are not ready to accept the construction of the dam.” — Tajom Ejing, Geku village resident

The Indian Express

• “More than 40 police personnel were injured in stone pelting. One of our deputy SPs suffered a head injury and has been evacuated to Dibrugarh, where he is being treated. Central Police Force personnel were also badly hurt,” — Inspector General Hibu Tamang

Siang protests turn violent, protesters torch NHPC office, loot MLAs’ houses in Pasighat

The NHPC-appointed public-relations firm Concept Public Relations has a contract running until November 6 2026, indicating continued outreach. The state government has scheduled further meetings with indigenous-tribe forums to discuss the pre-feasibility report. The RAF presence remains in Pasighat while authorities monitor the situation and enforce prohibitory orders.

The Indian Express