Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, OCT 28:
The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) on Wednesday announced its decision to constitute a high-level committee to facilitate dialogue and restore peace in the Siang belt following recent incidents of violence in Pasighat and Geku over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Addressing reporters in a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, the forum said the initiative was being taken suo motu to assess the prevailing situation and explore ways to resolve the dispute through peaceful dialogue.
An AITF Peace Committee comprising CBOs and representatives from different indigenous communities will function under the proposed high-level committee to facilitate communication among stakeholders. The peace committee shall be headed by AITF’s vice president (West) Gomar Basar as the Chairman of it.
The forum expressed concern over the communication gap between community members and families affected by the proposed project, stating that efforts would be made to bridge differences and build mutual understanding.
AITF said the committee would function independently and impartially without favouring either side, with the sole objective of restoring peace and tranquillity in the Siang belt.
The forum also expressed strong reservations over the heavy deployment of security personnel in Pasighat, criticising the state government’s approach and stating that increased security deployment was not the appropriate way to address the situation.
It said the government had earlier been urged to engage with affected families through peaceful dialogue instead of deploying additional security forces.
AITF reiterated that meaningful engagement and confidence-building measures were essential to prevent further escalation of tensions over the contentious hydropower project.
The forum appealed to government officials, intellectuals, grassroots institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to come forward and participate in constructive dialogue to find an amicable solution.
