Anti-Dam Protests Spark Shutdown and Clashes in Arunachal Pradesh

The Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU) and several collaborating organizations, including the Adi Galo Welfare Society and the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum, organized a 12-hour shutdown across the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh on October 23. The strike, which ran from 5 am to 5 pm, disrupted transportation and commercial activities, leaving students and medical patients stranded between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The shutdown was called to demand the release of 10 protesters detained 20 days prior for opposing a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River. Protesters expressed concerns over environmental degradation and the potential displacement of 27 villages. During the unrest, crowds breached police barricades and vandalized the residence of legislator Alo Libang in Yingkiong. Clashes between police and protesters near the Dite Dime bridge resulted in at least seven injuries, including six women.

In response to the violence, authorities detained local leaders under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Protesters are now demanding the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces and the dismissal of police cases against activists. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh maintains that current project activities are limited to surveys and pre-feasibility studies to assess viability. Organizers have warned they will intensify agitations if the original detainees are not freed within 24 hours.