Friday night, anger over the Upper Siang Multipurpose Dam turned Pasighat into a scene of arson and vandalism. The streets erupted when protestors set the NHPC office ablaze, setting seven government vehicles on fire.
Earlier that day, police fired tear gas at demonstrators in Geku, injuring four women, a move that set the stage for the night‑time eruption. The incident fuelled a 12‑hour bandh across Siang and Upper Siang, with anti‑dam groups demanding the project be scrapped.
Police sources confirmed the NHPC office was set ablaze and that seven vehicles were torched, in addition to vandalism at the homes of MLAs Ninong Ering, Oni Panyang and BJP state president Kaling Moyong. The arson also targeted parts of the local police station.
SP Siang Kamdam Sikom said the bandh was observed in Boleng, but the wider district remained largely peaceful. The state government plans to review the dam project and release ten detainees held during earlier protests.