ITANAGAR, OCT 9:

The Upper Siang district administration has ordered the preventive detention of four individuals under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, amid continuing tensions over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and its pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey.

In a press release issued on Friday, the administration said parts of the district had witnessed a tense atmosphere over the past four months, with incidents of violence, destruction of public and private property, and arson targeting government vehicles.

It said FIRs had been registered at Yingkiong Police Station against individuals allegedly involved in leading incidents of violence. However, the administration maintained that unlawful activities had continued, disrupting development work and creating fear among residents.

The four detainees were identified as Adum Tayom of Kumku, Geku; Omak Paron and Okut Paloh of Ramku, Geku; and Oson Paron of Geku.

The detention orders come amid escalating opposition to the proposed SUMP and the government’s efforts to conduct the PFR survey. Protests intensified during Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s visit to the region in late September, with road blockades and clashes reported in affected areas.

The administration clarified that concerns over the proposed dam and the maintenance of law and order were separate issues, stressing that opposition to the project could not justify violence.

It appealed to residents to maintain peace and resolve grievances through dialogue, adding that the law would take its course.