Delhi Police detain hundreds protesting Siang hydropower project at Arunachal Bhawan
Students and environmental activists held a demonstration in the national capital to demand the withdrawal of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
Delhi Police detained hundreds of students and environmental activists on Saturday after they gheraoed Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi, according to The Assam Tribune.
The protesters, organised under the banners of Himkhand and Youth for Change, were demonstrating against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh.
The demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of the project, the removal of Central Armed Police Forces from the state, and the release of individuals detained during the ongoing agitation in Arunachal Pradesh. Hydropower activist Katon Moyong, also known as Aborman, was among those detained.
Protesters stated the demonstration aimed to bring the concerns of affected communities to the attention of the Centre. The agitation follows a violent incident in Pasighat last week where police used tear gas to disperse protesters amidst reports of stone-pelting and property damage.
Indigenous organisations, such as the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum and Adi Bane Ke, have opposed the project due to fears of village displacement and ecological damage. The state government has been seeking to advance the project while indigenous groups say community consent must be addressed.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said on October 30 that the government is willing to hold discussions with community organisations, student bodies, and civil society groups regarding the project.