Police in Arunachal Pradesh say they arrested 26 people, including five juveniles, over violence linked to opposition to the proposed Siang dam, as security deployments increased and protests continued across the region.
East Siang police said six other people were held for questioning. Police registered eight cases over the October 23 violence in Pasighat. Authorities have not released the juveniles’ identities.
The proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced opposition from local communities. Reports said an NHPC office was set on fire during the Pasighat unrest. Reports said police vehicles were damaged.
Reports said homes of political figures were vandalised. By October 27, NDTV reported that 34 companies of central armed police forces had been sent to the Siang region. Restrictions on public gatherings remained in parts of East Siang district.
A youth-led 24-hour strike was planned for Tuesday. Protesters demanded the release of those arrested. They also demanded that the project be cancelled.
Opposition had also spread to Upper Subansiri. A shutdown took place in Daporijo on Monday. Vehicles and NHPC equipment were damaged during the shutdown.
Two security personnel were injured. Protesters have raised concerns about threats to land and livelihoods. Officials say the central forces will be withdrawn only when peace is restored.