Siang villagers vow to resist proposed dam as security forces seize traditional tools

Adi farmers in Geku, including John Panyang, are firmly opposing the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project over concerns about losing their land and heritage. Tensions rose after security forces confiscated traditional daos from villagers, provoking anger across the community. The continuing protests have disrupted farming, putting the upcoming paddy harvest in doubt. The Adi community has chosen to focus on defending its ancestral rights rather than on agricultural work.