Three prominent anti-dam activists have been arrested in connection with the violence that erupted in Pasighat amid protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh. The unrest, which began on Friday night and continued into Saturday, saw incidents of stone-pelting, arson and vandalism, including attacks on government offices, police vehicles and political leaders’ residences.
According to the report, the arrested activists have been identified as human rights lawyer Ebo Mili and youth leaders Otul Jerang and Tajong Talom. They have been booked in connection with Pasighat Police Station Case No. 114/2026 under Section 48 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.
Mili and Jerang surrendered at the Pasighat police station, saying they wanted to cooperate with the authorities. Talom was reportedly detained in Assam while travelling to Delhi, where he planned to raise the issue of the proposed mega-dam before national media.
The arrests came after widespread violence damaged public and private property in Pasighat. During the unrest, a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) office was set on fire, several police vehicles were torched and the premises of the Pasighat police station were damaged.
The violence also reached the residences of political leaders. The private homes of Arunachal Pradesh BJP president Kaling Moyong, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering and Mariyang-Geku MLA Oni Panyang were reportedly ransacked.
The three detained activists have distanced themselves from the violence, maintaining that their opposition to the proposed dam has been based on democratic and non-violent protest.
In a statement shared on social media, Mili said the demonstration had remained peaceful until police allegedly used stun grenades and tear gas against the gathering, triggering panic and disorder. He condemned the subsequent destruction of public and private property and urged young protesters to maintain non-violence.
“We are not part of this violence and do not support any kind of violence,” Mili said.
Jerang also maintained that the youth participating in the protest had no involvement in the overnight arson and vandalism. He alleged that outside elements had exploited the situation to carry out the destructive acts, separating the violence from the core anti-dam movement.
Talom reportedly resigned from the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) shortly before his detention. He cited personal pressure and alleged harassment of his family over his opposition to the proposed mega-dam project.
The proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced opposition from sections of the local population, with concerns over its potential impact on indigenous communities and the environment.
The arrests have added another development to the ongoing agitation, as police investigate the violence and the activists continue to deny involvement in the destruction. Further details about the investigation were not immediately available.