Four residents of Geku in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district, who were earlier reported missing, have reportedly been detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA), 2014, for their opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Sources said the four individuals, identified as Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron, were picked up from Pasighat and taken to Itanagar. Among them is the president of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) Youth Wing, a prominent voice against the proposed mega dam project. Their exact whereabouts have not been officially confirmed.
The Upper Siang district administration had earlier issued detention orders against the four, citing concerns over public safety and security. According to the district magistrate, the decision followed escalating tensions linked to pre-feasibility report (PFR) studies for the project, including incidents of violence and arson that allegedly damaged public and private property.
The administration maintained that issues relating to the dam project and law and order must be treated separately. However, it alleged that organised violence and acts of arson had increased in recent weeks, creating fear among residents and disrupting developmental activities.
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, estimated to generate between 10,000 MW and 12,500 MW of power, has faced sustained opposition from sections of the indigenous Adi community. While resistance to large dam projects on the Siang River has continued for decades, tensions have intensified in recent years following renewed efforts by the government to conduct pre-feasibility studies.
During a meeting held in Komkar village, residents of Geku, Komkar and neighbouring villages reaffirmed their opposition to the project, demanding that the government scrap the dam and halt all survey activities. Protesters raised slogans against the project and expressed concerns that the proposed hydropower venture could have severe ecological consequences for the Siang Valley and threaten the river-based Adi way of life.
Meanwhile, the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has urged the administration to withdraw paramilitary forces deployed in Siang district, arguing that their presence has created fear and psychological distress among local residents. The organisation also called for the suspension of survey-related activities until the consent of affected communities is obtained.
Amid growing tensions, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has convened a meeting with representatives of the Adi Students’ Union and the ABK Youth Wing on October 13 to discuss concerns surrounding the proposed project. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for community representatives to directly present their objections and seek clarification from the government.
