Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, OCT 12:
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday demanded immediate withdrawal of security forces from areas affected by the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleging that the government’s coercive approach towards project opponents could disturb peace in the region.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, former Lok Sabha MP and APCC president Takam Sanjoy said development should not come at the cost of indigenous rights and the consent of affected communities.
“The people of Arunachal Pradesh are not against development. They are entitled to ask what kind of development is being pursued, at whose cost, and with whose consent,” he said.
Presenting a 13-point charter of demands, Sanjoy called for withdrawal of paramilitary forces and police personnel from the affected areas, withdrawal of FIRs against protesting villagers, youths and students wherever legally justified, and revocation of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs and government employees, subject to fair review.
He also demanded immediate release of four detained Adi activists — Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron — and a fair legal review of cases registered against them, including the reported invocation of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
Questioning the Rs 350-crore Special Development and Livelihood Package, the APCC president demanded suspension of its disbursement until beneficiary lists, eligibility criteria and allocation details are made public. He further sought an independent probe into allegations that financial assistance was being linked to support for the project and called for scrutiny of memoranda of understanding allegedly signed without adequate information.
“Public money is meant to empower people, not purchase their silence or manufacture consent,” he asserted.
Sanjoy also demanded suspension of all Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR)-related field activities until public confidence was restored. He sought a written undertaking from the state government and NHPC that construction would not proceed without the consent of affected communities following transparent consultations.
Referring to China’s proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, he said national security concerns should not override indigenous rights, environmental scrutiny and democratic accountability.
Invoking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s Panchsheel principles for tribal development, Sanjoy stressed the need to protect customary institutions, including the traditional Kebang system.
Warning that continued confrontation could trigger wider opposition to hydropower projects in the state, he urged the government to initiate direct dialogue with affected communities and the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF).
Meanwhile, the APCC announced that party president Bosiram Siram would lead a delegation to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, chief secretary and governor, seeking their urgent intervention in the matter.
