Arunachal: Vehicle torched, MLA’s home vandalised during protests against Siang dam
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Protests by residents of the Siang basin in Arunachal Pradesh against a proposed multipurpose dam intensified on Wednesday, as demonstrators clashed with security personnel and set a police vehicle on fire during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, the Hindustan Times reported.
Residents of the Siang basin have opposed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project for several years. Members of the Adi tribe, who live in the basin, have maintained that the project threatens their land and way of life. The protests intensified after the government began deploying Central Armed Police Forces for the pre-feasibility survey of the proposed project.
The Siang river flows into Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet, and is the main tributary of the Brahmaputra. The river is the site of the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, described to be India’s largest dam.
On Monday, villagers and security personnel clashed in Geku during protests against the project and the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for the pre-feasibility survey, Arunachal24 reported. Four persons were arrested in connection with the incident.
As tensions rose on Wednesday, protesters allegedly entered and vandalised the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong. Several government vehicles were also reportedly damaged.
Movement along the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku stretch and towards Dite Dime was disrupted...