ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has appealed to people in Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts to maintain peace amid escalating protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), while holding the BJP-led state government responsible for the growing unrest.
APCC president Bosiram Siram condemned the reported use of tear gas, lathi-charge and arrests during the 12-hour bandh on October 23, alleging that the government’s failure to honour assurances made to Adi youth representatives and address indigenous communities’ concerns through dialogue had deepened tensions.
Siram urged protesters to remain peaceful and democratic in their opposition to the proposed mega dam, while asserting that the movement was rooted in concerns over ancestral land, rivers, forests, livelihoods and cultural identity.
The Congress leader said the party did not support arson or the destruction of public and private property, including the reported burning of the NHPC site office and damage to vehicles. He called for an impartial investigation into the incidents and lawful action against those responsible.
However, he cautioned against using the violence to criminalise the entire anti-SUMP movement or suppress the concerns of affected communities.
Questioning the government’s handling of the project, Siram said broken assurances, inadequate consultation and the failure to address the concerns of affected families had eroded public trust.
“What is the meaning of dedicating a month to Siang when the people are reportedly facing tear gas, lathi-charge, arrests and an atmosphere of fear?” he asked, urging the government to accept political responsibility and initiate meaningful dialogue.
Siram maintained that communities were not opposed to development but wanted their concerns over the project’s potential impact on land, forests, rivers, livelihoods and future generations to be addressed.
He also called for greater transparency over the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR), including the project’s technical and economic viability, environmental implications, rehabilitation requirements and social consequences.
“A feasibility report is not public consent,” he said, insisting that affected communities must have a meaningful role in decisions concerning the project.
The APCC demanded an impartial inquiry into the reported police action, accountability for any unlawful use of force and due process for detained protesters. It also called for a suspension of further steps to advance SUMP until outstanding concerns are addressed.
The party urged the government to disclose relevant project assessments and initiate dialogue involving affected villagers, indigenous organisations, community elders, civil society groups and political representatives.
Siram appealed to all stakeholders to prevent further violence, saying tensions could be eased only through justice, mutual respect and dialogue.
“The people’s voice is not a threat to democracy; silencing that voice is,” he said, reiterating the APCC’s support for the affected communities’ peaceful struggle to protect their ancestral heritage.
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