Itanagar, October 13: The Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has demanded the resignation of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Transport and Cooperation Minister Ojing Tasing, who also chairs the High-Power Committee overseeing the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) survey for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
In a statement, HRA chairman Dr Kipa Kaha alleged that Tasing had failed to ensure transparent, democratic and people-centric engagement over the project, claiming that local voices had instead faced intimidation. The organisation also cited Tasing’s reported remarks about withholding government funds and schemes from areas where BJP candidates lose elections, describing them as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and an insult to voters”.
HRA urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to remove Tasing from the Council of Ministers and reconstitute the High-Power Committee under neutral leadership.
Expressing concern over escalating tensions in Siang and Upper Siang districts, the organisation called for the withdrawal of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and police personnel deployed in affected areas, a review of FIRs registered against protesters, and the reinstatement of suspended or terminated Gaon Burahs (GBs) and government employees. It also demanded the suspension of PFR field activities until public trust is restored.
HRA further sought a review of the detention of four Adi activists — Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron — and called for due process to be ensured in their cases.
Describing SUMP as an issue extending beyond hydropower development, HRA said the controversy concerned democratic consent and indigenous rights, warning that continued confrontation could undermine social harmony.
The organisation also questioned the strategic justification for comparing the proposed 11,000-MW SUMP with China’s reported 60,000-MW project on the Yarlung Tsangpo. Citing storage figures of 5.5 billion cubic metres (BCM) and 9.2 BCM, it called for an independent technical assessment and clear explanations from the state government, the Centre and NHPC regarding the project’s necessity, potential risks and alternatives.
HRA also demanded full disclosure of the reported Rs 350-crore Siang Special Development Package, which it said comprised Rs 157 crore for livelihood initiatives, Rs 81 crore for infrastructure, Rs 71 crore for upgradation and Rs 33 crore for surveys. It sought details of sanctions, allocations, implementing agencies, expenditure and beneficiary lists, along with independent verification in consultation with Gram Sabhas.
Calling for dialogue to defuse tensions, HRA proposed a round-table meeting involving Adi elders, farmers, representatives of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), GBs, panchayat leaders, youth groups, district officials and NHPC representatives.
The organisation warned that it would pursue democratic agitation if its demands were not addressed, while urging the authorities to resolve the dispute through dialogue and engagement with affected communities.