Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, OCT 10:
The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) on Saturday reiterated its charter of demands to the state government over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), setting a 5 pm deadline for the release of five persons allegedly detained in connection with protests against the project and warning of fresh and intensified agitation if its demands were not met.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, SIFF spokesperson Tagori Mize said the Geku Youth Committee would launch a democratic movement if the detainees were not released within the stipulated deadline.
He informed that “Adi Among Nyokmo Maye” (We Won’t Let Adi Land Be Lost) held a protest rally at Geku on Saturday, demanding the immediate release of detainees Omak Paron, Oson Paron, Adum Tayom and Okut Paloh, who were allegedly detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA).
The forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces, including Army personnel, from dam-affected areas, the withdrawal of FIRs registered against villagers and the unconditional release of all detained protesters.
Alleging that project-related activities were initiated without adequately informing or consulting affected communities, Mize said villagers had not been taken into confidence before site-testing activities commenced.
“People should have been informed, permission should have been taken, but this procedure wasn’t followed,” he said.
Citing Uggeng village, Mize claimed that even the gaon burahs were unaware of the proposed project until drilling activities for site testing began. He alleged that the lack of transparency and inadequate public awareness had fuelled resentment and unrest in the region.
Condemning the administration’s handling of the recent protest at Uggeng, he said the authorities should take responsibility for the injuries allegedly sustained by protesters during the police lathi-charge and the damage caused to property.
Questioning the government’s repeated appeals for dialogue, Mize said the deployment of security personnel, detention of villagers and registration of FIRs had further eroded public confidence.
“The government deploys security forces in our areas, detains villagers and files FIRs against us, yet expects us to come forward for dialogue,” he said.
“How can they expect us to talk when their actions are creating mistrust among the people?” he asked, adding that the relationship between the government and the affected communities had deteriorated.
“Our trust in the government has deteriorated,” Mize said.
The forum maintained that meaningful dialogue on the contentious hydropower project could take place only after the government addressed its charter of demands, resolved the grievances of affected villagers and restored public confidence.
On the proposed meeting convened by Chief Minister Pema Khandu with the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU-Apex), Mize said SIFF had decided to boycott all peace talks and consultations with the government until its key demands were fulfilled.
