Itanagar: Protests against the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project intensified in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district on Wednesday, disrupting traffic, damaging govt vehicles and triggering clashes during CM Pema Khandu’s visit.Demonstrators opposing the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities and survey work blocked key roads along the Yingkiong-Komkar-Geku stretch and towards Dite Dime. The blockades brought life and official movement across the township to a halt.The situation escalated when hundreds of protesters allegedly entered and vandalised the residence of Tuting-Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang in Yingkiong. Several ministers and MLAs were reportedly staying at the house.Security forces also intercepted a protest march from the general ground towards the lower market, leading to scuffles. Near the Dite Dime bridge, a police vehicle was set on fire, while govt vehicles were damaged at several locations.Protesters blocked access to a prominent hotel, preventing deputy CM Chowna Mein, cabinet ministers Ojing Tasing and Nyato Dukam, and chief minister’s adviser Ninong Ering from reaching a scheduled interaction with govt officials and community representatives.Carrying placards that read “No PFR, No Survey” and “Go Back CM”, the protesters questioned why the govt had arranged meetings with officials instead of holding a direct dialogue with communities likely to be affected by the project.The unrest followed a clash in Geku on Sept 28 between villagers and Central Armed Police Forces personnel. Four people detained after the incident were later released.Protesters are demanding an immediate halt to all survey operations and the withdrawal of security forces from project-affected areas.The state govt has maintained that the ongoing exercise is only an initial technical feasibility assessment and does not amount to approval for construction. Khandu has said the project will not proceed if it is found to be technically unfeasible and will not be implemented forcibly against the wishes of local residents.With blockades continuing along key routes, the district remained heavily guarded as authorities monitored the situation.
