Violent protests in Arunachal against Siang dam; MLAs’ homes looted, NHPC set ablaze

The mob also hurled stones at a hospital where injured central force personnel had been taken. At least nine police vehicles were damaged

GUWAHATI/ITANAGAR: Protests against Arunachal Pradesh's proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent at Pasighat, East Siang district, on Friday night, with "Gen Z" protesters allegedly torching the NHPC office and a police station, and vandalising and looting the residences of two MLAs and the state BJP president, police said.The violence continued in waves for nearly nine hours early Saturday, leaving "over 40 police personnel injured in stone-pelting", police said. A protester was hit in the leg by a tear gas shell and admitted to hospital. The East Siang district administration imposed restrictions on public gatherings and processions in Pasighat, Mebo and Ruksin, citing apprehensions of vandalism, arson and a potential breach of law and order following protests and bandh-related activities.In an executive order issued Saturday, deputy commissioner Jayanti Pertin said the restrictions would come into effect from 5pm on Oct 24 and remain in force until withdrawn or modified.The violence began after a 12-hour bandh called by Adi Baane Kebang United, along with other organisations, against the proposed project ended peacefully at 5pm. The bandh, however, was not observed in Pasighat area.CM expresses concern, offers to meet groups for talksOne of our deputy SPs suffered a head injury and has been evacuated to Dibrugarh, where he is being treated.

Central police force personnel were also badly hurt, Pasighat IGP (central range) Hibu Tamang said.The mob also pelted stones at a hospital where injured central force personnel had been taken. At least nine police vehicles were damaged. The groups dispersed around 4am.“A youth group calling itself ‘Gen Z’ suddenly emerged and sat on a dharna on the Mebo side. Around 2pm, this group entered Pasighat jurisdiction.

They blocked the Pasighat-Boleng highway and did not let traffic pass. They had no clear demand. They said they would sit on a dharna indefinitely, and there was also slogan-shouting,” Tamang said.He said police and civil authorities persuaded the group to leave the highway for two hours without any result. “As darkness fell, the group became very violent and unruly. A violent mob of 200-300 began pelting stones at police and the magistrate. Some of them were carrying liquor and beer bottles in their hands and were intoxicated. Police handled it gently and did nothing other than using tear gas,” the IGP said.Police said that they documented the incident on video and photographs.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu expressed concern and offered to meet the groups for talks.