States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 5:37PM


Arunachal CM condemns Pasighat violence, invites SUMP protesters for dialogue

Itanagar, Oct 24 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday condemned incidents of vandalism, looting and damage property in Pasighat following the 12-hour bandh called on Friday in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), and urged all stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Addressing the media, Khandu said the bandh remained largely peaceful in Siang and Upper Siang districts and in Pasighat during the day. However, incidents of vandalism and looting were reported in Pasighat after the bandh ended, continuing until around 3.30 am on Saturday.
The affected properties included a police station, the Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) complex and the NHPC office. The residences of local MLAs Oni Panyang and Ninong Ering, as well as State BJP president Kaling Moyong, were also reportedly vandalised, with incidents of looting and theft.
While acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful protest, the Chief Minister said demonstrations must remain within the bounds of the law and should not lead to damage to property or disturb public order. He termed the incidents regrettable and appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace.
On the SUMP issue, Khandu reiterated that the state government was open to discussions with organisations, associations and community representatives to address concerns about the project's potential benefits, possible adverse impacts and other apprehensions.
He said stakeholders were welcome to question the government, seek clarifications and present their views through direct engagement.
The government had undertaken outreach efforts and invited organisations to participate in discussions, he added.
Khandu offered to meet representatives of organisations from the Siang region in Itanagar, Pasighat or any other location convenient to them.
He also expressed willingness to visit a place proposed by the stakeholders, accompanied by officials of the concerned departments, to discuss the SUMP issue.
Reiterating that public consensus would remain central to the process, the Chief Minister urged organisations and community representatives to participate in round-table discussions to address concerns and build a better understanding of the project.
He stressed that differences of opinion should be resolved through democratic processes and constructive dialogue rather than actions that threaten public safety and law and order.
Friday's dawn-to-dusk bandh was jointly called by Adi Bane Kebang United (ABKU), SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA), Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum Youth Wing and Adi Galo Welfare Society to press for fulfilment of their charter of demands.
They are demanding the release of 10 arrested activists, reinstatement of suspended Gaon Burahs, withdrawal of all pre-feasibility report (PFR) related activities and withdrawal of paramilitary and central forces deployed in the Siang region.

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Tags: #Arunachal CM condemns Pasighat violence# invites SUMP protesters for dialogue
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