Guwahati: The Adi Galo Welfare Society (AGWS), which completed an 11-day, nearly 400-km foot march from Geku to Itanagar on Sunday, has given the Arunachal Pradesh govt two days to respond to its demands over the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).The 10-member team, led by AGWS president Geyi Bagra, has demanded the scrapping of the project, the unconditional release of all those arrested in connection with the anti-dam protests and the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) from the affected areas.“We are giving the govt two days — Monday and Tuesday — to respond to our demands. The next 48 hours are crucial, and we will decide our future course of action based on the govt’s response,” Bagra said.He said the march received public support in Upper Siang, Siang and East Siang districts, as well as in Assam’s Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts. Participation was limited in parts of Arunachal Pradesh because prohibitory orders banning public gatherings remained in force amid continuing tensions.“From Jonai to Bandardewa, people in Assam extended tremendous support to us. They are equally concerned about the possible downstream impact of the project,” Bagra said.He also said two organisations from Nagaland and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had expressed solidarity with the AGWS.Welcoming the release of a few activists arrested in connection with SUMP protests, Bagra called for talks with all organisations opposing the project. “Our objective is to protect Ane Siang (Mother Siang). We stand with the community-based organisations, student bodies and other groups opposing the project. We want the govt to sit across the table with all stakeholders together and resolve the issue peacefully,” he said.Bagra also expressed concern over the deployment of CAPF personnel in Geku, the epicentre of the anti-Siang dam movement, and adjoining areas, alleging that villagers were being harassed.Reacting to Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao’s statement that the Siang dam would be built ‘come what may’, Bagra urged him to exercise caution while commenting on the sensitive issue.AGWS has also demanded the withdrawal of all FIRs registered in connection with the protests, the removal of paramilitary forces deployed for the project’s pre-feasibility study from Siang and Upper Siang districts, and meaningful consultations with affected villages. It has sought the reinstatement of gaon burahs and govt employees suspended or dismissed for opposing the project.Earlier, Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Bosiram Siram welcomed the marchers in Itanagar and felicitated them with traditional scarves.The two-day deadline comes amid mounting pressure from other anti-dam groups. Adi Bane Kebang-United (ABKU), a major Adi tribal organisation spearheading the movement, had agreed to chief minister Pema Khandu’s offer for talks but set the release of all detainees within 48 hours and withdrawal of criminal cases against them as preconditions. Its 48-hour deadline expired on Sunday.More than 50 people have been arrested and eight minors detained in connection with the agitation across the Siang belt so far.The opposition to SUMP stems from fears that the proposed dam could submerge villages, displace families and disrupt the traditional way of life of the Adi community, whose cultural and spiritual identity is closely intertwined with Siang river, revered as Ane Siang or Mother Siang.
