Centre Dispatches RAF Companies to Arunachal Pradesh Following Violence Over Siang Project

The Ministry of Home Affairs has airlifted two Rapid Action Force companies to Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, following violent protests against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The violence resulted in property damage, including the torching of an NHPC office and a police station.

The Centre has dispatched two Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies of the CRPF to Arunachal Pradesh following an outbreak of violence in Pasighat. The protests erupted against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, according to officials.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed on Saturday that the RAF companies, comprising about 250 personnel, be airlifted from Navi Mumbai on board an Indian Air Force transport aircraft. The units are scheduled to reach Pasighat and deploy by Sunday. The RAF is a specialized anti-riot unit of the CRPF distinguished by its blue uniform.

Multiple units of the CRPF are already deployed in the violence-affected regions, as Arunachal Pradesh maintains a permanent deployment of approximately two to three CRPF battalions. According to officials, CRPF personnel have been handling the protests since Friday to prevent further escalation. Several police and central forces personnel have sustained injuries during the operations.

The unrest follows incidents on Friday night in the East Siang district, where a mob torched an NHPC office and a police station. The crowd also vandalized the residences of three political leaders, including the state BJP chief, as confirmed by Arunachal Pradesh Police officials.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that while the right to peaceful protest is an essential component of democracy, demonstrations must remain within legal bounds to avoid property damage and public disruption. Terming the incidents in Pasighat regrettable, he appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), a 12-hour bandh observed across the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts on Friday remained largely peaceful. However, violence broke out in Pasighat immediately after the bandh concluded and persisted until 3:30 am on Saturday.

"Large-scale infrastructure and power projects often encounter significant ground-level challenges involving local communities and regulatory compliance. Incidents of civil unrest and subsequent security deployments directly impact project timelines, asset safety, and operational continuity for state-backed initiatives and energy corporations. Ensuring transparent stakeholder communication and maintaining public order remain critical factors for the successful execution of high-capacity projects in sensitive regions." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes