Security Forces Deploy Following Violent Protests Over Arunachal Pradesh Dams

Federal authorities rushed 250 specialized security personnel to Arunachal Pradesh by air over the weekend after demonstrations against a proposed hydroelectric facility erupted into destructive riots in Pasighat.

The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered two companies of the Rapid Action Force to deploy from Navi Mumbai aboard an Indian Air Force transport aircraft following the unrest, which continued for hours into Saturday morning.

The unrest stems from intense local opposition to the planned 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, an infrastructure initiative the central government views as a vital counterweight to upstream dam construction by China.

Indigenous populations inhabiting the valley fear the reservoir will submerge settlements and destroy their traditional way of life tied to the river.

During the nocturnal riots in East Siang district, demonstrators burned a local office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and a police facility while damaging properties belonging to politicians.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu addressed the unrest by acknowledging the role of public dissent in a democratic society while urging citizens to respect the rule of law.

"The right to peaceful protest was an essential part of democracy, but stressed that demonstrations must remain within the bounds of the law and should not lead to property damage or disruption of public order," said Pema Khandu, the chief minister.

Local law enforcement agencies reported that over 40 security officers sustained injuries from flying stones during the confrontations, while dozens of individuals faced arrest in connection with the violence.

The administrative district imposed strict bans on public assemblies across multiple municipalities to prevent further escalations.

Unrest subsequently spread to Upper Subansiri district, where a separate shutdown paralyzed the area in opposition to the Menga Dam.

That strike forced the cancellation of a scheduled public consultation regarding the facility, according to regional accounts.

Student organizers launched the latest shutdown after police attempted to detain a prominent youth leader over the weekend.

Protesters in that district burned vehicles and targeted surveying instruments at local energy offices.

Meanwhile, activists imprisoned following the earlier clashes initiated a hunger strike inside police custody.

Youth organizations demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces from the affected valleys.

Student leaders organized additional demonstrations to push for the complete abandonment of both controversial energy projects and the release of detained protesters.