Itanagar: A large crowd descended on Yingkiong today to protest the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The rally took over the headquarters of the Upper Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. It continues despite direct appeals for dialogue from Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Two groups organized the event: the Siang Upper Multi-Purpose Project Affected Area Youth Association and the youth wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum. The district administration previously enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to ban gatherings of more than five people and restrict weapon possession until November 10. Officials eventually granted permission for this specific protest under strict conditions.
The region remains on edge. Two weeks ago, a visit by Chief Minister Khandu sparked violent clashes that led to vandalism, arson, and attacks on police. Director General of Police Dr. S. D. Singh Jamwal stated that local law enforcement remains focused on stability regardless of the protest's intent. Jamwal told reporters, "We don't bother about the dam, PFR or any other issue in the Siang belt. Our duty is to maintain the rule of law, and whoever resorts to violence, commits a crime or breaks the law will be detained and arrested as per law."
Police will track individual conduct during the gathering. Any person caught breaking the law faces immediate arrest. The government continues to push for open talks to resolve the impasse.
Comments