Itanagar: Adi tribe activist Katon Moyong has officially rejected an invitation from the Arunachal Pradesh government to discuss the proposed 11,000-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. Speaking at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar on November 5, Moyong declared that the time for negotiation has ended. He cited 47 years of resistance dating back to 1979. "No Siang Dam," Moyong stated.
Moyong argued that the government shifted its justification for the dam from flood control to national security. He dismissed these claims as a false narrative. He insisted that no project discussions can proceed without the formal approval of all 60 traditional village councils. Moyong also demanded an immediate stop to all survey work and pre-feasibility reports. While he remains opposed to damming the main Siang river, he clarified that he does not oppose smaller projects on smaller tributaries.
The government recently released four activists, Adum Tayeng, Omak Peron, Okut Paloh, and Oson Peron, to lower tensions. They were previously detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 2014 following October 9 protests. Officials are now considering the reinstatement of suspended Gaon Burahs and Gaon Buris, the traditional village heads, to help rebuild trust with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum.
Tensions remain high across the state. In September 2026, a clash in Geku resulted in four arrests after Central Armed Police Forces arrived for survey work. The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded a full audit of a 350-crore development package and the total withdrawal of security forces. Previous protests include a 12-hour bandh in Upper Subansiri against the 1,650-MW Subansiri Upper Hydro Project and ongoing disputes over the NHPC Subansiri Lower project.
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