Anti-dam bandh turns violent in Arunachal Pradesh

A 12-hour bandh against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project turned violent in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, October 23, as police fired tear gas and demonstrators were accused of attacking security barricades and public property. Officials said at least four women were injured near Dite-Dime and taken to hospital; protesters said some suffered breathing difficulties after exposure to tear gas. The confrontation took place near Geku in Siang district, where officials said about 150 to 200 protesters gathered around 7 a.m. Siang Superintendent of Police Kamdam Sikhom said the group attempted to damage barricades, threw stones at security personnel and violated prohibitory orders. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, and officials said lawful action was initiated in the presence of an executive magistrate. Protesters said tear gas shells hit several people and caused breathing difficulties. In Pasighat, demonstrators set fire to an office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and a police station, according to officials cited in local reporting. One official said neither building was entirely burnt, but vehicles on the premises were torched and stones...