GUWAHATI: The confrontation over the proposed 11,200MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal escalated Sunday, with a youth organisation calling a shutdown across three districts along the Siang river Monday, demanding the release of those arrested over anti-dam violence and opposing the deployment of 30 CAPF companies in the region.SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) called the bandh after state govt missed a deadline to release more than 40 protesters arrested over the Oct 23 violence in Pasighat and subsequent attacks on security personnel in Siang and Upper Siang.“Govt will decide on release of the arrested, but as of Sunday there is no such decision,” a police source said.SAAYA had issued the ultimatum at an emergency meeting of affected villages on Oct 29, threatening a shutdown from Nov 2 if the arrested were not released by Nov 1. The bandh is being coordinated with Siang Indigenous Farmer Forum, community organisations, youth groups and affected residents.The proposed project threatens to submerge 27 villages, fuelling fears of displacement and renewed resistance to protect Siang, a river central to Adi community’s identity and life.
