The district magistrate of Upper Siang imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, in the Geku area.

The administration apprehended possible threats, intimidation or coercion of people supporting the government's PFR activities. Restrictions were imposed over apprehension of a law-and-order situation linked to PFR activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), based on a letter written by the local representative.

The order was issued on 7 September. The administration apprehended protests and possible unlawful activities in Geku and other villages. The district magistrate said anti-dam groups were opposed to the proposed SUMP and banned the assembly of five or more persons and the carrying of weapons, effectively curtailing the gathering of people who are opposed to the project.

Such an order should be deemed an obstruction to the people's right to make known their opposition to the proposed study. Instead of hurrying with such an order, the administration should have restarted the negotiations.