Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has agreed in principle to proposals for reducing the deployment of security forces in the Siang Valley and withdrawing FIRs as confidence-building measures to facilitate dialogue over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Khandu announced the decision following an interactive meeting with the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The discussions focused on the way forward for wider consultations and meaningful dialogue on the proposed project.
In a social media post after the meeting, the Chief Minister said he had received requests from the two organisations for a reduction in security deployment in the Siang Valley and the withdrawal of FIRs.
“Dialogue requires trust and mutual understanding. We remain committed to dialogue, consent and finding a constructive way forward,” Khandu said, adding that he had agreed to the proposals in principle as confidence-building measures to facilitate dialogue.
He expressed hope that both organisations would work constructively to create an atmosphere of trust and dialogue in the Siang Valley.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the interaction with ABKYW and AdiSU as fruitful, saying the discussions centred on wider consultations and meaningful dialogue regarding the proposed Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process.
The Chief Minister’s announcement comes amid continuing opposition to the proposed SUMP and concerns raised by sections of the local population in Siang and Upper Siang districts. Local organisations have been demanding wider consultations and a halt to the ongoing PFR exercise.
Yingkiong, the headquarters of Upper Siang district, witnessed another protest against the proposed project on Tuesday, with residents from several villages participating in a peaceful rally and meeting.
Following public pressure, the district administration relaxed prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), allowing the protest to proceed. The restrictions had initially been imposed for 30 days from October 11.
Organised by the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) and the SUMP Affected Area Youth Association (SAAYA), the protest demanded the immediate release of seven people arrested or detained in connection with the SUMP agitation and an immediate halt to the PFR process.
The organisations also sought the withdrawal of security forces from Siang and Upper Siang districts, revocation of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs and Buris, compensation for vehicle owners whose vehicles were allegedly damaged during security operations, and reimbursement of medical expenses for injured people.
According to the organisations, three of the seven arrested individuals are Taben Tatin, Tagar Mibang and Tagur Taga. The other four—Adum Tayom, Okut Paloh, Oson Paron and Omak Paron—were arrested on October 9 under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
The district administration said FIRs had been registered against individuals allegedly involved in violence and arson. It maintained that preventive detention orders had been issued by the District Magistrate to address activities considered threats to public safety and security.
Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Ashok Tajo said the restrictions were intended to maintain peace and public order. He appealed to residents to maintain peace and tranquillity, citing four months of unrest in parts of the district and warning that the situation could develop unpredictably.
On the suspension of Gaon Burahs, Tajo said the administrative action followed reports of their alleged involvement in violent activities.
The Adi Baane Kebang United (ABKU), SIFFYW and SAAYA also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding the release of the seven individuals, withdrawal of cases linked to the protests and an immediate halt to the PFR process.
The three organisations issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the district administration, seeking the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces personnel from Siang and Upper Siang, withdrawal of FIRs linked to the agitation, and revocation of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs. They also demanded compensation for alleged vehicle damage and reimbursement of medical expenses for injured people.
Protests against the proposed SUMP and the PFR exercise have continued in parts of Siang and Upper Siang districts over the past few months. During Khandu’s recent visit to Yingkiong, villagers also demonstrated against the proposed dam and survey activities.
“The indigenous people firmly oppose the PFR process and any dam construction on our sacred Mother Siang River. Our land, our identity, our future,” said SIFFYW general secretary Dubit Siram.
