Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh turned violent on October 5, 2026. Demonstrators and security personnel clashed in the Riga and Ugeng areas of the Siang region during official survey activities.
The unrest resulted in injuries to several local protesters and Central Reserve Police Force personnel.
A Central Armed Police Forces camp in Upper Siang was reportedly set ablaze during the protests. The 11,200 MW project was declared a National Project by the
Government of India in 2008 and is proposed to be executed by NHPC Limited. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein defended the initiative as a strategic tool for flood mitigation. Minister Ojing Tasing claimed that over 80 percent of affected villagers support the development.
Opposition is led by groups including the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and the local Adi community due to concerns over displacement and environmental degradation. Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned acts of vandalism and invited protesters for dialogue, emphasizing that the project will only advance if technical viability is confirmed.
