Upper Siang Administration Imposes Assembly Ban Amid Intensifying Anti-Dam Protests

On October 11, the Upper Siang district administration issued an order prohibiting the assembly of five or more people, a measure taken amid intensifying protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). This administrative action followed two days after four protesters were detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, as reported by Mongabay-India. The protests against the proposed 11,000 MW hydropower plant escalated earlier this month, turning violent after Chief Minister Pema Khandu's visit to the district, sparking further unrest in the region.

Residents across the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts have consistently voiced opposition to the dam's development, citing significant local impacts. The project is projected to submerge 27 villages, a critical concern for local communities, and notably includes Yingkiong, which serves as Upper Siang’s district headquarters. Allegations of police misconduct surfaced, with officers reportedly lathi charging protesters on October 4. This incident occurred days after demonstrators had set fire to vehicles and stormed an MLA’s house, indicating a period of heightened tension and direct confrontation between authorities and local populations.

On October 13, three prominent civil society groups—the Adi Banne Kebang United, Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum Youth Wing, and SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA)—jointly submitted a memorandum to the Upper Siang District Collector. This formal communication explicitly condemned the alleged police atrocities and demanded the immediate release of those arrested for protesting. Their comprehensive demands also included the unconditional release of all protesters from police custody, emphasizing a need for accountability and justice for those detained during the demonstrations.

The memorandum further called for the "immediate and complete withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces from Siang and Upper Siang," asserting that their presence exacerbates local tensions. It also demanded a halt to all studies currently being conducted to determine the dam's viability in the area, signaling a desire to stop further project progression. Additionally, the groups sought the quashing of all legal proceedings initiated against protesters. The document, seen by Mongabay-India, concluded with a stark warning: "Failure to comply will compel the youth and public to escalate democratic agitation, for which the district administration and law enforcement authorities shall be held solely responsible," underscoring the potential for continued unrest if their demands are not met.

What to watch: Continued response from district administration to civil society demands.

Editor's note: The report is comprehensive, accurately citing dates, group names, and specific demands while maintaining a neutral tone.