China-Backed Militant Group Forms in Arunachal to Disrupt Hydropower Projects

ITANAGAR: In Arunachal Pradesh, a new militant group called the United Tani Army (UTA) has emerged with its main objective to protest against the massive hydropower projects being implemented in the state.

anihCThe first public protest of the outfit took place on Christmas Eve 2024 by opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, or SUMP, an important project initiated by India, which is expected to produce more than 57,000 megawatts of renewable energy.

This project is of strategic importance for India, not only because of its economic benefits but also as a safeguard against the possible manipulation of water by China, which has been constructing massive dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet.

A ₹1.13 lakh crore SUMP is proposed as a defensive measure against the growing influence of China in the region. Beijing's ongoing construction of dams along the Yarlung Tsangpo, which could possibly control the river's flow during the dry season and release excessive water during monsoons, is perceived as a threat to India's water security.

Security officials have raised concern over the appearance of the UTA, thinking that the outfit is being backed by Chinese factions, one of them being the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-KYA). UTA leader Anthony Doke was said to be a former National Liberation Council of Taniland (NLCT) member who contacted the NSCN-KYA  last year in forming the new militant group. It is said that China has been providing training, funding, and arms supplies through Myanmar-based camps and the UTA is now recruiting actively.

The formation of the UTA has triggered a series of concerns for both local and national security, as the group seeks to exploit public dissatisfaction with the SUMP and related issues, including tribal rights and environmental concerns. India’s energy and water security strategies face increasing challenges, as Beijing intensifies its efforts to undermine the region’s infrastructure development through both direct and indirect means.

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