Itanagar, Oct 26 (PTI) The opposition Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday demanded a substantial reduction in the deployment of 250 additional RAF personnel in areas witnessing protests over the proposed Siang mega dam project, alleging that the government was relying on force instead of addressing public concerns.
In a statement, the state Congress urged the government to initiate dialogue with affected communities, suspend pre-feasibility survey activities until meaningful consultations are held, and order an impartial inquiry into the reported use of tear gas against civilians during a recent 12-hour bandh.
The party said the agitation reflected concerns among villagers over ancestral land, customary rights, livelihoods, environmental and seismic risks, displacement and the future of the Siang river.
It also sought clarity on assurances reportedly given by Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a meeting with Adi youths from the affected areas, asking the government to specify which commitments had been fulfilled and which remained pending.
The Congress said the bandh reflected continuing public resentment over unresolved grievances and urged the government to distinguish peaceful democratic protests from criminal acts.
While condemning violence, arson and damage to public and private property, the party called for legal action against those responsible, while opposing collective punishment or the suppression of legitimate dissent.
The Congress sought details of the necessity, mandate and duration of the additional RAF deployment, warning that an expanded security presence could aggravate tensions rather than resolve the dispute.
It also demanded the release of detained youths wherever their continued detention was not legally justified, along with a review of protest-related FIRs and allegations of arbitrary arrests and retaliatory action.
The APCC urged the state government to hold time-bound discussions with the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), Adi Bane Kebang Union (ABKU), Siang Area Youth Association (SAAYA), village elders, traditional institutions and other concerned organisations.
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) has the potential to generate substantial electricity and support water-management objectives, including flood moderation, depending on its design and operational framework. PTI UPL UPL SOM
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