Arunachal CM Seeks Facts-Based Talks on 11,200 MW Siang Project
Itanagar, October 25: Amid violent agitations against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday underlined the importance of transparency and open dialogue on the 11,200 megawatt project.
To evaluate the project's viability, the Chief Minister convened a meeting of all-party legislators on Sunday to examine the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR). He also met leaders of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and various community-based organisations (CBOs) to discuss the project.
Speaking about the all-party meeting, Khandu wrote on X that participants discussed national security, environmental concerns and the apprehensions of local residents. He said the government's priority was to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of people living in the Siang valley.
In another post, the Chief Minister said misinformation and misunderstandings about the project were fuelling fear among citizens. He said such information gaps had to be addressed through facts, transparency and open dialogue. Khandu said he had held discussions with the AITF and community organisations and considered ways to intensify collective awareness campaigns across Arunachal Pradesh. He stressed that people deserve precise information so they can understand the project, its strategic relevance and the concerns surrounding it.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has dispatched two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), comprising roughly 250 personnel, to Arunachal Pradesh. The move came after violence in Pasighat, headquarters of East Siang district, on Friday and Saturday.
The United Tani Council (UTC) also called for open dialogue on Sunday with people opposing the proposed project. Its president, Bamang Taji, and general secretary, Nyadar Loya, told reporters that they had visited the Siang basin twice and held meetings with protesters and other stakeholders to understand their concerns.
Khandu had earlier, on Saturday, expressed concern over the vandalism, looting and destruction of property in Pasighat. Several organisations had called a 12-hour bandh across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts against the project. On Friday and Saturday, protesters set fire to an office of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and a police station in East Siang district. The homes of two political leaders were also ransacked, including the residence of the state BJP president. More than 40 police personnel were injured after alleged stone pelting by protesters in Pasighat.
The Chief Minister had said peaceful protest was a vital part of democracy, but it was necessary that demonstrations remain within the bounds of law and avoid damage to property or disruption of public order. Describing the Pasighat incidents as unfortunate, he appealed to all sections to maintain peace and prevent their recurrence.
On the concerns surrounding SUMP, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that the state government was prepared for dialogue with all organisations, associations and stakeholders. He said every aspect of the project, including its potential benefits, adverse impacts and the apprehensions of local communities, could be examined in detail.
The bandh against the proposed 11,200 MW project was jointly called on Friday by Adi Bane Kebang United, the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association, the youth wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and the Adi Galo Welfare Society.