Forces fortify key Arunachal bridge to fight dam objectors

DITE DIME: Anti-dam protests have prompted a major security build-up at the Dite-Dime bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, a key crossing towards the India-China border that connects four proposed drilling sites for a pre-feasibility survey of the 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.Forces have heavily fortified the bridge, deploying large numbers of CAPF personnel, as it has become a focal point of the anti-dam movement, hosting dharnas and protests against the proposed survey. Officials said 30 companies of CAPF had been deployed across protest-hit districts. Three companies of Assam Police Battalion were stationed in Pasighat.Also known as 65 Bridge, the Dite-Dime bridge is a critical bottleneck on the Dite-Dime-Migging highway towards Tuting near the Line of Actual Control. At least four women were wounded in a clash at Dite-Dime on Oct 23 during a 12-hour bandh. More than 150 supporters allegedly threw stones at security personnel, tried to breach barricades and damaged security vehicles, police sources said.