Protests Turn Violent In Arunachal Pradesh As Villagers Oppose Mega Dam Power Project

Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project involving a massive dam in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district turned violent on Wednesday as agitators vandalised the residence of local MLA Alo Libang, blocked roads, clashed with police and damaged government vehicles, as the chief minister left the district headquarters, reportedly cutting short his visit.A police vehicle was set ablaze near the Dite Dime bridge, and government cars were damaged at several places, a senior district official told news agency PTI. Local reports said several government and police vehicles were set on fire. The unrest in Yingkiong, the district headquarters, is learnt to have disrupted Chief Minister Pema Khandu's schedule for an interaction with government officials and community representatives. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo told PTI that Khandu completed his scheduled official meeting at Yingkiong before leaving the district by helicopter.