Photo Courtesy: nenow
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu is calling for calm. He invited opponents of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) to state their grievances during a meeting scheduled for October 5. Khandu specifically requested representatives from the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) to join the dialogue. He wants to hear their problems.
The Chief Minister insists the current Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process is not a construction green light. It is just technical homework. The work involves gathering rock samples to test terrain stability. No land acquisition is occurring. No forest or agricultural plots are being seized. He noted, "It’s not a dam, it’s just PFR."
Officials emphasize that if the project proves viable, it must still pass through a Social Impact Assessment, an Environment Impact Assessment, and a Detailed Project Report. Public consultation remains mandatory at every stage. Khandu claims the final project could help downstream communities by moderating floods. He remains hopeful that local stakeholders will choose talking over protesting based on assumptions.
Tensions hit a breaking point recently. Protesters attacked an MLA residence and damaged paramilitary vehicles. Khandu condemned the violence as criminal, not political. He confirmed that police have orders to prosecute anyone destroying public or private property. While he defends the right to peaceful protest, he refuses to tolerate arson or mob attacks. The government now waits to see if opponents will accept the invitation for a seat at the table.
Comments