NEW DELHI | Opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh reached the national capital on Saturday, as hundreds of students and activists staged a protest outside Arunachal Bhawan, demanding the withdrawal of the 11,200-megawatt project and the release of those detained during earlier demonstrations.

Organised by Himkhand and Youth for Change, the protest also called for the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed in Arunachal Pradesh. Demonstrators raised slogans against the proposed dam and what they described as the use of force against indigenous communities and student organisations opposing the project.

Delhi Police detained several protesters, including Siang hydropower activist Katon Moyong, popularly known as Aborman. Heavy police deployment was reported outside Arunachal Bhawan.

The proposed project, being pursued by the Pema Khandu-led BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh, is planned as a major hydropower and multipurpose infrastructure initiative. However, its opponents have raised concerns over its potential impact on indigenous communities, ancestral land and the fragile ecology of the Siang Valley.

Indigenous organisations, including the Adi Bane Kebang United and the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, have warned that the project could lead to the submergence of ancestral territories, displacement of villages and extensive environmental damage.

The Siang region, located in the seismically active eastern Himalayan belt, is known for its rich biodiversity and is closely linked to the livelihoods and cultural identity of indigenous communities.

Opposition to the project has intensified across Arunachal Pradesh in recent weeks. Tensions escalated after demonstrations in Pasighat last week reportedly turned violent following the use of tear gas by police to disperse protesters.

Authorities reported incidents of stone-pelting, injuries to police personnel and damage to public and private property during the unrest.

The Delhi demonstration was aimed at taking the concerns of the affected communities beyond Arunachal Pradesh and drawing national attention to the controversy surrounding the project.

Protest organisers argued that development initiatives must take into account the rights, livelihoods and cultural heritage of indigenous populations, and should not come at the cost of ancestral land and the environment.