Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project intensified in Yingkiong on September 30 during Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's visit. Hub News reported participation by indigenous women and farmers opposing survey work and seeking direct consultation with affected communities.
The dispute concerns a proposed hydropower and water-management project in the Siang basin. Sections of the Adi community fear displacement, loss of land and livelihoods and environmental harm. The News Mill's September 30 report described demands for open meetings, with residents questioning whether discussions mainly involving officials adequately represented their concerns.
Khandu's September 30 public statement emphasised risks from exceptionally high upstream flows and winter water scarcity. The government argues that a pre-feasibility study is needed to establish facts and that conducting it does not constitute final permission to build the project. Those assurances have not ended local opposition.
Reports also described confrontations and damage to vehicles. Accounts differed over whether Khandu cut short his visit: Maktoob reported that Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said the scheduled official meeting was completed before the chief minister left. The reports do not establish a confirmed casualty total. The project remains under study; survey work does not constitute construction approval.