Itanagar |  Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district on Monday, with an anti-dam demonstration reportedly leading to the torching of a CAP camp and damage to several vehicles.

The latest escalation comes amid growing opposition to the government’s ongoing Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) exercise for the proposed hydropower project. Protesters have been demanding an immediate halt to the survey work and greater consultation with local communities before any further steps are taken on the project.

The violence came on the day Chief Minister Pema Khandu had invited organisations opposing the project for talks to discuss their concerns over the PFR exercise.

However, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), one of the prominent groups opposing the project, decided not to attend the meeting. The forum has proposed holding discussions after October 11, citing the need for more time to build a broader consensus among stakeholders.

Opposition to the SUMP has intensified in recent days, with local groups raising concerns over its potential impact on land, agriculture, forests and the environment.

Khandu has maintained that the ongoing PFR should not be equated with the start of dam construction. According to the chief minister, the current exercise is limited to preliminary technical studies, including the collection of rock samples, and does not involve land acquisition or the loss of agricultural or forest land.

He has also said that even if the project is found technically and economically viable after the PFR, construction would not begin immediately. The project would have to undergo further processes, including a Social Impact Assessment, Environment Impact Assessment and preparation of a Detailed Project Report.

Public consultations would also be held before any final decision on construction, Khandu has said. Despite the government’s assurances, opposition groups have continued to press for the survey to be stopped and for wider consultations with affected communities.

Monday’s violence, including the reported torching of the CAP camp and damage to vehicles, has further heightened tensions in Upper Siang and raised fresh concerns over the law-and-order situation in the district.

The developments also underline the growing challenge before the state government as it seeks to push ahead with preliminary studies while addressing strong resistance from local communities and anti-dam groups.