A massive deployment of security forces is being made in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, sensing more protests against the proposed 11,200 MW Siang hydro power project.
Arunachal Pradesh Police have called in two Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies from Navi Mumbai to Pasighat as reinforcements.
NHPC’s local office was set ablaze; arson was reported from several places, with police vehicles set on fire. The shutdown was called to protest an alleged attempt by Arunachal Pradesh Police to detain the president of the Tagin Students’ Union after searching for his residence on Saturday night. The Arunachal Pradesh Police have called in two Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies from Navi Mumbai to Pasighat as reinforcements. Several sorties of Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft have landed at the Pasighat airport carrying RAF and other security forces. Police sources added that several RAF companies are already deployed in Siang and Upper Siang. The mob vandalised houses of MLAs. Vehicles were set on fire on the streets, triggering heated arguments between protesters and police.
The protests against the proposed Siang dam in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district turned violent on October 23. The authorities have maintained restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS in Pasighat, Mebo, and Ruksin in the Siang Valley region.
