Arunachal Pradesh gets new DGP amid Siang dam protests
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Rajesh Kumar as the new police chief following violent demonstrations in the state.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) replaced the Director General of Police (DGP) of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, according to The Hindu. Rajesh Kumar, a 1995 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the new DGP, replacing SDS Jamwal.
The leadership change comes as the state faces protests against the proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) on the Siang River. Local communities have demanded accountability for alleged police high-handedness directed at protesters since October 23.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA) enforced a 36-hour bandh in Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts. Organisers are demanding the release of demonstrators arrested during earlier protests, the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies, and the suspension of survey activities.
In Upper Siang, internet services were suspended and many government offices, schools, and shops remained closed. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo said the shutdown was mostly effective in Yingkiong town and Geku.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu addressed protesters in an open letter on November 2, stating that concerns would be addressed through dialogue and public consultation. He said the state government would move forward only with due consideration for the interests of local people.
The government maintains the project aims at water storage and management in the Siang basin. Critics argue the project threatens to submerge 27 villages and displace residents.