Security Escalation in Arunachal Pradesh

Authorities in Arunachal Pradesh have deployed at least 30 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across three districts in the Siang Valley to maintain public order following violent protests against a proposed mega hydroelectric project on the Siang River.

According to senior law enforcement officials, the heavy security presence spans the Upper Siang, Siang, and East Siang districts. The deployment includes personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the elite Rapid Action Force (RAF), and specialized women’s battalions. Additionally, three battalions of the Assam Police have been stationed in East Siang's Pasighat to reinforce local security.

Unrest Over Pre-Feasibility Studies

The tensions stem from ongoing resistance against survey procedures for the proposed mega dam. While some local communities have engaged with state authorities and signed memorandums of understanding regarding pre-feasibility report studies, other factions have strongly rejected the initiative, arguing that the project poses severe ecological and livelihood risks.

Arunachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police (Central Zone), Hibu Tamang, noted that law-and-order challenges began manifesting even before formal survey operations commenced. The situation escalated significantly when demonstrations turned destructive, culminating in an incident of public property vandalism in Pasighat.

"Some youths, without any leadership, have created law-and-order problems in Pasighat and vandalised public property," IGP Tamang told reporters, addressing the October 23 unrest.

Crackdown and Legal Action

In response to the property damage, local law enforcement has registered eight separate criminal cases. Police have confirmed the arrest of 21 individuals in connection with the vandalism, with several others currently detained for questioning. Authorities indicated that further arrests could follow as investigations proceed.

Despite the deployment of heavy security and subsequent legal actions, state officials have reiterated that the administration remains open to dialogue. The government has expressed willingness to engage directly with affected families and community stakeholders to address grievances surrounding the Siang Valley infrastructure project.