Guwahati: Tension over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh escalated further on Saturday, a day after the Upper Siang district administration ordered the preventive detention of four persons under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, citing a series of violent incidents, arson and threats to public safety linked to opposition against pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities.

According to an official release by Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo, detention orders were issued against Adum Tayom of Kumku village, Omak Paron and Okut Paloh of Ramku village, and Oson Paron of Geku. Authorities said that the decision followed a detailed assessment of the law-and-order situation, which has remained “tense and volatile” for the past four months due to sustained resistance to the mega hydropower project’s preliminary surveys.

Officials alleged that organised violence had escalated in recent weeks, resulting in damage to public and private properties, destruction of homes and the burning of government vehicles, despite multiple FIRs registered at Yingkiong police station.

The administration emphasised that “opposition to the proposed dam and the maintenance of law and order are two separate issues,” warning of zero tolerance for violence under the guise of anti-dam protests while urging residents to resolve grievances through peaceful dialogue.

Reports also indicated that five anti-dam activists were taken into police custody in Pasighat, with associates claiming their exact whereabouts remained unknown. Separately, two activists, Tagar Taga and Tatin Tabin, were arrested from Boleng on Thursday and are currently held at Pangin police station. Police sources said that standard procedures, including family notifications, were followed in the Boleng arrests.

One of those detained under the preventive orders is reportedly linked to the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) Youth Wing, a group vocal in its opposition to the project. Geku has remained a focal point of the protests. Community leaders criticised the crackdown. SIFF spokesperson Tagori Mize questioned the arrests, noting that the Chief Minister had earlier described the Adi people as innocent and asking how meaningful dialogue could occur if those raising concerns were detained.

The SUMP, a proposed large-scale hydropower project on the Siang River estimated in the range of 11,000 MW or more, has faced prolonged resistance from indigenous Adi communities in Siang and Upper Siang districts. Protesters are citing concerns over potential displacement, submergence of villages and agricultural land, environmental impacts, seismic risks in the region, and inadequate public consultation. Tensions had already heightened in late September, including clashes during chief minister Pema Khandu’s visit to Yingkiong, road blockades, damage to government vehicles and the vandalisation of a local MLA’s residence.

Villagers in the affected areas have continued to demand that the project be scrapped and all PFR survey activities halted, with some taking a “do or die” pledge against it. 

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