The 11,200‑MW Siang hydro power project has long been a flashpoint, with local villagers fearing displacement and ecological harm.
Ripunjoy Das, a local correspondent in Pasighat, reported that mobs torched NHPC offices, set police vehicles ablaze, and vandalized homes of elected representatives.
Police registered several cases under Section 163 of the BNSS and detained 21 individuals, while eight more were held pending further investigation.
The unrest spread to Upper Subansiri district, where a 12‑hour bandh called by the Tagin Students’ Union turned violent, forcing police to respond to arson on public roads.
Authorities have imposed tighter restrictions across Pasighat, Mebo, and Ruksin, and are awaiting directives from the central government before moving forward with the dam’s approval process.