Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR : The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has submitted a three-point memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking immediate intervention on issues concerning the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR), and an investigation into alleged financial irregularities in a road construction project in Kra-Daadi district.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club on Friday, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel said the memorandum was submitted in the interest of safeguarding indigenous rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He warned that if the government fails to address the demands within 14 days of receiving the memorandum, the forum would launch a democratic agitation until its demands are met.
On the issue of electricity, the forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. It also sought free electricity up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers in the state.
Daniel said that despite Arunachal Pradesh being known for its vast hydropower potential, residents continue to bear high electricity costs. He maintained that the people of the state should directly benefit from its abundant natural resources.
He further alleged that the prepaid metering system has adversely affected economically weaker sections, daily wage earners, pensioners, and rural residents. According to him, the system has led to frequent power disconnections due to insufficient balance, additional recharge-related charges, and inconvenience for elderly citizens and people living in remote areas with limited access to digital payment facilities.
The forum, therefore, urged the government to formulate a special power subsidy policy for economically weaker sections and ensure that the benefits generated from hydropower projects are shared with the people of the state.
The second demand pertains to the early de-reservation or rationalisation of forest boundaries within the Capital Complex and adjoining areas.
Daniel stated that large portions of the present-day ICR were brought under the Durpang Reserved Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, when Arunachal Pradesh was still a Union Territory. He claimed that the reserved forest status has created hurdles in obtaining Land Possession Certificates (LPCs), land allotments, building permissions, and bank loans.
He also pointed out that several development projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, government offices, and water supply schemes, often face delays due to forest clearance requirements. Additionally, he said that many indigenous villages and settlements were included within reserved forest areas without adequate consultation and called for the regularisation of traditional land holdings.
In its third demand, the UAPF sought an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of more than Rs 121 crore in public funds related to the construction of the Dari–Chambang road project in Kra-Daadi district.
UAPF general secretary Dangu Mama alleged that while the actual road length between Dari and Chambang is around 26 kilometres, funds were reportedly withdrawn for the construction of a 38-40 kilometre stretch by the executing agency and the concerned department.
The forum urged the state government to initiate a thorough inquiry and take stringent action against all those found responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds.
“We appeal to the state government to take immediate action on all three issues within 14 days, as these matters are directly linked to public welfare, development, and accountability in governance,” Mama said.
