Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu held meetings with legislators and indigenous groups over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) amid protests.At an all-party legislators’ meeting, discussions focused on the project’s pre-feasibility report (PFR), national security implications, environmental concerns and the aspirations of the people in the Siang Valley, Khandu said in a social media post.“Our priority is to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of the people of the Siang Valley,” the chief minister said.In a separate meeting with representatives of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) and community-based organisations, Khandu expressed concern over misinformation and misconceptions about the project, which he said were fuelling apprehension among residents. He called for transparency, fact-based communication and open dialogue to bridge the information gap and improve public awareness.“Our people deserve accurate information to understand the project, its strategic importance and the concerns associated with it,” he said.The proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced opposition from sections of the indigenous Adi community over possible displacement, loss of ancestral land, disruption of livelihoods and ecological damage. Residents have also questioned the safety of a mega dam in the seismically active region.The project has acquired strategic significance amid concerns over China’s proposed hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. The river enters India as the Siang before joining other tributaries to form the Brahmaputra. The proposed Indian project is intended to provide water-storage capacity and strengthen energy and water security.Those opposing the project have demanded that survey activities be suspended and resident communities be consulted before the project advances. A PFR is part of the assessment process and does not by itself amount to final construction clearance.A 12-hour bandh across Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang districts was followed by arson and vandalism in Pasighat. An NHPC office and a police station were reportedly set on fire, properties linked to political leaders were vandalised, and police personnel were injured. Additional Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed on Sunday. The personnel were airlifted from Maharashtra.The latest meetings underline state govt’s efforts to engage with political representatives and community organisations as tensions over the project continue. The challenge remains to address the residents’ concerns while weighing the project’s strategic significance.
