The Indian government’s move to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across Upper Siang, Siang, and East Siang districts in Arunachal Pradesh to support the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) has ignited strong opposition from local communities, stirring tension and uncertainty. Three CAPF companies were stationed at Geku, Uggeng, and Jengging in Upper Siang, while additional forces were deployed in Yingkiong, Begging, Parong, Boleng, and Pasighat to secure NHPC survey operations.
On December 15, 2024, thousands of residents from Geku, Parong, and Pasighat protested in Parong village, demanding the withdrawal of security forces and suspension of the SUMP project. Activists, including lawyer Ebo Mili, denounced the deployment as a violation of Indigenous rights under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention 169.
Itanagar is bracing for the impact of prolonged unrest. Local traders and consumers worry that the ongoing protests and security presence may disrupt supply chains and dampen economic activity, affecting daily trade and livelihoods in the state capital. Civil society groups have petitioned President Droupadi Murmu to intervene and withdraw paramilitary forces. The Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum insists on free, prior, and informed consent before project implementation, emphasizing dialogue over force to protect community rights and regional stability.
