‘No PFR, No Dam’: Citizens Rally in Itanagar Against Proposed Siang Mega Dam
One Voice,” “Say No to Mega Dam,” and “Our Land, Our Rivers, Our People, Our Future.” Participants raised slogans such as “No PFR, No Dam” and “Protect Our Land, Save the Siang,” highlighting fears of displacement, loss of ancestral land, livelihoods, culture, and environmental damage.
ITANAGAR— Hundreds to over a thousand citizens, youth activists, student groups, and representatives of indigenous organisations staged a peaceful solidarity rally in Itanagar on Thursday in support of the Adi community and protesters in the Siang Valley opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Organised primarily by Youth for Change, the Cockroach Janta Party (Arunachal Unit), Indigenous of Siang, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), and allied groups, the demonstration began at Akashdeep Complex (Akashdeep Ganga) and proceeded to Indira Gandhi (IG) Park under themes including “One Arunachal. One People. One Voice,” “Say No to Mega Dam,” and “Our Land, Our Rivers, Our People, Our Future.” Participants raised slogans such as “No PFR, No Dam” and “Protect Our Land, Save the Siang,” highlighting fears of displacement, loss of ancestral land, livelihoods, culture, and environmental damage.
The rally demanded the immediate release of protesters detained during the ongoing anti-SUMP agitation, withdrawal of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and other paramilitary personnel from dam-affected areas in Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts, a halt to pre-feasibility report (PFR) surveys, and greater transparency with meaningful consultation and free, prior, and informed consent of local communities. Organisers stressed that development must not come at the cost of indigenous rights, traditional heritage, or the Siang River (regarded as “Ane” or mother by the Adi community).
Addressing the gathering, Takam Sonia expressed solidarity with the people of Upper Siang and those affected by the project, underscoring concerns over environmental and social impacts, ancestral land, and indigenous identity. A leader of an anti-SUMP group clarified that the opposition was directed at mega dams threatening community existence rather than dams in general: “We, the victims of the proposed mega dam (SUMP), are fighting for the protection of our land, fundamental rights, culture and existence. We are peace-loving Indians but the government is treating us like second class citizens.”
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The protest occurred against a backdrop of intensifying resistance in the Siang belt. Recent unrest included a 12-hour bandh on October 23 that turned violent in Pasighat (East Siang), with reports of arson at an NHPC office, a police station and vehicles, vandalism of politicians’ residences, and clashes that injured security personnel. Dozens have been arrested, some detainees have reportedly gone on hunger strike, and additional security forces (including Rapid Action Force) have been deployed. Local groups allege that the large reservoir associated with the ~11,000–12,500 MW project could affect around 27 villages, fertile lands, and culturally significant sites, potentially impacting 1–1.5 lakh indigenous people.
The Central and state governments have positioned the SUMP—pursued by NHPC and declared a project of national importance—as a strategic measure for water security, flood moderation, and hydropower generation, particularly in light of China’s large upstream hydropower plans (estimated around 60,000 MW) on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.
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Chief Minister Pema Khandu has condemned violence, reiterated that the project would advance only with public consensus, and stated that the government remains open to dialogue with stakeholders. Opposing groups have indicated that talks cannot proceed until detainees are released and excess security forces are withdrawn.
Security arrangements were tightened along the rally route in Itanagar. The demonstration remained peaceful and underscored widening support for the Siang movement beyond the affected valleys, while also reflecting broader tensions over large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including opposition to the Subansiri Upper project in other districts.
The event has drawn attention to the ongoing debate between strategic and developmental priorities and the rights, consent, and cultural identity of indigenous communities in the Siang Valley.
