Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Calls for Transparency Amid Protests Over Siang Multipurpose Project

Itanagar, October 25 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh has underscored the importance of transparency and open dialogue regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMPP), which has sparked violent protests in the Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts. The project, with an estimated capacity of 11,200 megawatts, has faced significant opposition from local communities.

On Sunday, Khandu convened a meeting with all-party legislators to discuss the project’s preliminary feasibility report. He also met with representatives from the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and various community organizations to address concerns regarding the project.

In a post on the social media platform X, Khandu highlighted that the meeting covered crucial topics such as national security, environmental concerns, and the apprehensions of local residents. He stressed that the government’s priority is to honor the rights and aspirations of the people in the Siang Valley while safeguarding national interests.

Khandu also pointed out that misinformation surrounding the SUMPP has led to increased public anxiety. He emphasized the need to bridge this information gap through facts, transparency, and open communication. The Chief Minister mentioned that discussions with the AITF and community organizations aim to enhance awareness across Arunachal Pradesh about the project’s strategic significance and associated concerns.

In response to recent violence in Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district, the Central Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force’s Rapid Action Force (RAF), comprising approximately 250 personnel. The United Tani Council (UTC) has also called for open dialogue with those opposing the project. UTC President Bamang Taji and Secretary Nyadar Loya shared with the media that they have conducted two tours of the Siang basin to better understand the concerns of the protestors and other stakeholders.

Earlier, Khandu expressed his concern over incidents of vandalism and property damage that occurred in Pasighat. Various organizations had called for a 12-hour shutdown in protest against the proposed project. Demonstrators reportedly set fire to an office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and a police station, while also vandalizing the homes of two political leaders, including the state BJP president. Over 40 police officers were injured following alleged stone-pelting by protestors.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that peaceful protests are a vital part of democracy but insisted that they must remain within legal boundaries to prevent damage to property and disruption of public order. He described the events in Pasighat as unfortunate and urged all parties to maintain peace and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Khandu reiterated the state government’s readiness to engage in discussions with all organizations, unions, and stakeholders regarding the SUMPP. He stated that all aspects, including the potential benefits and adverse effects of the project, as well as the concerns of local communities, can be thoroughly examined. The recent call for a 12-hour shutdown against the 11,200-megawatt project was jointly issued by several groups, including the Adi Bane Kebang United and the Youth Union of the affected area.