World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
India sends 250 anti-riot personnel to Arunachal after dam protests turn violent
Protests against a proposed dam turned violent in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, on Friday night after a 12-hour shutdown.
A mob set fire to an NHPC office and a police station and damaged political leaders’ homes; police and protesters were injured.
India sent about 250 anti-riot personnel to the area, with two Rapid Action Force companies expected to deploy in Pasighat by Sunday.
The 11,200-megawatt Siang project faces local opposition from indigenous communities concerned about effects on villages and their ties to the river.
The government says the project could strengthen water and energy security and help manage floods, as well as counter a proposed Chinese dam upstream.
Protest groups want 10 detained activists released and project-related pre-feasibility work stopped.
Authorities have restricted public gatherings in parts of the district, and the state government has urged people to maintain peace and rely on official information.
India sent about 250 Rapid Action Force personnel to Arunachal Pradesh after protests against a proposed hydropower project turned violent.
A mob torched an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat and vandalised political leaders’ residences.
Police said more than 40 personnel were injured in stone-pelting, while a protester was hit by a tear gas shell.
The protests oppose the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which local groups say threatens communities and the river basin.
The state government says the project is intended to regulate water, support national security and energy needs, and manage floods.
- Who
- The Centre sent about 250 Rapid Action Force personnel to Arunachal Pradesh. Protesters opposed to the proposed project clashed with police.
- What
- Two RAF companies were sent after a mob torched an NHPC office and a police station and vandalised residences.
- When
- The violence began after a 12-hour bandh ended on Friday night, October 23, 2026. The deployment was directed on Saturday.
- Where
- Pasighat, in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Why
- The protests were against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. Organisers also demanded the release of 10 detained protesters and other changes.
Project opponents
Arunachal Pradesh government
Project impact
Project opponents
Opponents cite concerns about effects on the Siang river basin and indigenous communities, including the possible submergence of villages.
Arunachal Pradesh government
The government says the project would regulate water, strengthen national water and energy security, manage floods and support socio-economic growth.
Project preparations
Project opponents
Organisations demanded withdrawal of pre-feasibility activities and removal of central forces.
Arunachal Pradesh government
The government says current work is limited to technical and environmental surveys for a pre-feasibility report.
A 12-hour bandh was held across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts against the proposed project.
Violence broke out in Pasighat after the bandh ended, with an NHPC office and a police station torched.
Violence in Pasighat had continued in waves, according to the chief minister’s office.
The Home Ministry directed two RAF companies, about 250 personnel, to be airlifted from Navi Mumbai to Arunachal Pradesh.
The RAF units were expected to reach Pasighat and be deployed, according to officials.
- Personnel sent
- About 250 Rapid Action Force members
- Units
- Two CRPF companies
- Project capacity
- 11,200 MW
- Protest location
- Pasighat, East Siang district
- Reported injuries
- More than 40 police personnel injured, according to police
- Bandh duration
- 12 hours
3 sources
What people are saying
the right to peaceful protest was an essential part of democracy
The NHPC office in the high region area of Pasighat was set ablaze, while a police station there was also torched