Arunachal Pradesh Mobilises Rapid Action Force Following Anti-Dam Protests in Pasighat
The state of Arunachal Pradesh has upgraded its security measures in Pasighat after demonstrations were carried out against the plan for the construction of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a project of 11,200 MW on the Siang River. The Government of India has deputed two companies of the Rapid Action Force of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with 250 members in total.
These actions have been taken in view of the increasing number of oppositions to the plan for the construction of the giant dam.
RAF Personnel Deployed Amid Rising Tensions
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, two RAF companies from Navi Mumbai were deployed on October 24. The troops were flown by the Indian Air Force and taken to Pasighat, which is the administrative capital of East Siang District.
CRPF additional troops have been brought to Assam to provide security in the areas concerned. Restrictions are imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in certain parts of the region to stop any further outbreak of violence and restore law and order.
This move came after unrest in the area on October 23, where protests were followed by acts of arson and vandalism. An office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and a police station were allegedly burnt down, along with the houses of politicians.
Cases have been filed against those involved in the riots, with some of them arrested for their involvement.
Why Are Residents Opposing the Siang Dam Project?
It is estimated that the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project will be able to produce about 11,200 MW of power generation capacity.
Nonetheless, there is opposition from the local community members and the students’ groups because they are concerned about ecological disturbance, displacement, and loss of their native lands. The protestors are also demanding adequate consultations before proceeding with the project.
CM Pema Khandu has recognised the significance of protest as long as it remains peaceful, and has requested people not to indulge in any kind of violence and destruction of public property.
Fresh Protests Expected Across the Region
Protesters are preparing for future demonstrations and organizing a strike, demanding the release of those arrested and the scrapping of the proposed project.
It shows the difficulties faced by governments when developing infrastructure while protecting the environment and Aboriginal peoples. Maintaining peace while taking into consideration the grievances of citizens will be important in light of growing opposition to the hydropower project.
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