Four residents of Geku in Upper Siang district - Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh, and Oson Paron - have been detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA), 2014, for opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The Upper Siang district magistrate issued formal detention orders, citing concerns over public safety, alleged violence, arson, and damage to public and private properties.

Opposition to the dam has continued for decades, but tensions have increased over the past three years following renewed government efforts to conduct pre-feasibility report (PFR) studies. A recent visit by Chief Minister Pema Khandu to Yingkiong led to a confrontation between protesting villagers and armed police.

Seeking the release of the four anti-dam activists, villagers of Geku have decided to gather in Yingkiong, the district headquarters, to launch a democratic movement. In response, the administration has clamped a one-month prohibitory order, effectively banning public meetings.

While the government claims that it wants to engage in debates and dialogue, it simultaneously employs violent tactics. This deadlock will not be resolved through confrontation. The government should immediately release all four detained. Their detention is not legal.