Itanagar, June 9: Tensions over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) intensified in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district after a large group of protesters allegedly vandalised the residence of Oni Panyang.
According to reports, the residence of the People’s Party of Arunachal legislator was targeted amid continuing opposition to the proposed project on the Siang River. Visuals from the site showed extensive damage to the property, with furniture, household belongings and parts of the structure reportedly destroyed.
Footage from the residence revealed debris strewn across several rooms, including broken wooden furniture, overturned containers, shattered household items and damaged walls, indicating significant vandalism.
The incident comes against the backdrop of sustained protests by sections of local residents and organisations opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. Opponents of the project have raised concerns regarding its potential social, environmental and livelihood impacts on communities in the region.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement on the extent of the damage or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Security personnel are understood to be closely monitoring the situation as tensions persist in the district.
Further details are awaited as the situation develops.
