Youth group calls shutdown in three Arunachal districts over arrests

The full story

The SUMP Affected Area Youth Association has called for a shutdown across the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh to protest the arrests of individuals participating in the movement against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. According to the organisation, the shutdown is planned for November 2 and was resolved during an emergency executive meeting on October 29. The association stated that the arrests and the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces for pre-feasibility surveys are attempts to suppress legitimate opposition from indigenous communities. The hydropower project has drawn sustained resistance due to concerns over the submergence of villages, displacement, loss of land, and the preservation of the Adi community's traditional way of life. The association has urged other local groups, including the Bogum Bokang Welfare Society and the Siang Indigenous Farmer Forum, to support the peaceful and democratic demonstration.

Timeline

1. Nov 1

   The youth association announced a shutdown across Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts for November 2.¹²

2. Oct 29

   The SUMP Affected Area Youth Association held an emergency executive meeting with village representatives to resolve on a district shutdown.¹²