Youth and social groups rally in Itanagar demanding release of detainees over Siang Upper Multipurpose Project protests

Summary

A solidarity rally was held in Itanagar on October 29, 2026 by youth and social organisations demanding the release of more than 30 people detained after violent protests in the Siang region against the proposed 11,200‑MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Details of the protest

• Location of rally: Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
• Date of rally: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026
• Demands:
• Immediate release of detainees arrested on 23‑24 Oct 2026 in the Siang region
• Withdrawal of security forces from the Siang area
• Suspension of the SUMP pre‑feasibility survey, which protesters say is being militarised
• Key statements:
• A local group leader said, *“We are peace‑loving Indians, but the government is treating us like second‑class citizens.”*
• Protesters emphasized they are not anti‑dam in principle, but oppose a project they view as threatening to land, rivers, indigenous identity and basic rights.

Background on the SUMP

• Project size: 11,200 MW hydro‑electric scheme on the Siang River (the Indian stretch of the Yarlung Tsangpo).
• Government rationale: The project is presented as a way to mitigate the impact of a 60,000‑MW Chinese hydropower scheme being built across the border.
• Local concerns: Residents fear displacement, ecological damage and loss of cultural heritage.

Recent related incidents

• 23‑24 Oct 2026: Violent clashes in the Siang region resulted in the detention of over 30 protesters.
• 26 Oct 2026: A 12‑hour shutdown and clashes in Upper Subansiri district (headquarters Daporijo) against the 1,605‑MW Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Project (Menga Dam) were reported.
• Earlier week: An NHPC office was set on fire and homes of three politicians, including two MLAs, were vandalised; at least four women were injured in police confrontations.

Responses from civil society

• Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF): Urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to open a constructive dialogue with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and other stakeholders.
• Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum: Offered to mediate between the state government and opposition groups and announced a high‑level committee to assess the situation on the ground.

Practical implications

• For locals: Continued detention of protestors could heighten tensions and disrupt daily life in the Siang and Upper Subansiri districts.
• For the project: Delays in the pre‑feasibility survey may push back timelines for the SUMP, affecting the state’s energy planning.
• Verification: The rally and statements were reported by *The Hindu* on 29 Oct 2026; official press releases from the Arunachal government or NHPC can be consulted for updates on detainee status and project timelines.

Outlook

The situation remains fluid. While civil‑society groups are pushing for dialogue, the state government has not yet announced a concrete plan to release detainees or suspend the survey. Monitoring statements from the Chief Minister’s office and NHPC will be essential to gauge any shift in policy.

--- Keywords:

• Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
• Itanagar protest
• detainee release Arunachal
• hydro‑electric dam opposition
• Arunachal Christian Forum
• Pema Khandu dialogue
• NHPC pre‑feasibility survey
• Upper Subansiri shutdown
• indigenous rights Arunachal
• China Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower