On Sunday, Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu held separate talks with lawmakers and tribal leaders to calm escalating unrest over the 11,200‑MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The project has sparked violent protests that included a 12‑hour bandh on Friday and arson at an NHPC office and a police station in Pasighat. Residents accused the dam of threatening ancestral lands, livelihoods, and the river ecosystem. The state has received calls to halt survey activities until affected communities are consulted.
Khandu said in a social‑media post that the all‑party legislators’ meeting reviewed the pre‑feasibility report, national‑security implications, environmental concerns, and the aspirations of Siang Valley residents. He emphasized that “our priority is to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of the people of Siang Valley.” He urged legislators to bridge the information gap through transparent communication.
In a separate gathering with the All India Trinamool Forum and Community‑Based Organisation representatives, the chief minister condemned misinformation that was fueling fears among locals. He called for “accurate information to understand the project’s strategic importance and the concerns associated with it.” The opposition, led by the Adi community, argues that a mega dam in a seismically‑active region poses an unacceptable risk.
Central government has moved additional Rapid Action Force personnel into the state after the unrest. Khandu affirmed that dialogue remains essential and that the state will keep consulting stakeholders before any construction decision is made.