States » EastPosted at: Oct 12 2026 8:30PM


Arunachal Congress demands withdrawal of security forces from SUMP-affected areas

Itanagar, Oct 12 (UNI) The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces from areas affected by the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), release of detained activists and suspension of field activities until trust is restored between the government and local communities.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, former Lok Sabha MP and former APCC president Takam Sanjoy said the growing tensions in Siang and Upper Siang districts raised serious concerns over indigenous rights, democratic consent, land, livelihood and the environment.
He cautioned that relying on security deployment and administrative pressure instead of dialogue could aggravate tensions and undermine social harmony.
“Development cannot be built on fear, intimidation and the erosion of indigenous rights. The people of Siang must have the final say over their land, rivers and future,” Sanjoy asserted.
Questioning the pursuit of a mega dam project amid sustained opposition from sections of the affected population, the former parliamentarian said development must respect indigenous culture, customary institutions and the aspirations of local communities.
Referring to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Panchsheel principles of tribal development, he stressed that economic progress should not come at the cost of people’s dignity, security and future.
“The people of Arunachal Pradesh are not against development. They are entitled to ask what kind of development is being pursued, at whose cost, and with whose consent. Their questions cannot be answered with police deployment, arrests or administrative pressure,” he said.
Sanjoy said concerns over the project dated back to survey and investigation activities undertaken during 2013–2015, when the proposed hydropower project was envisaged at around 3,750 MW.
He said objections raised by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), farmers, landowners and other local residents warranted a transparent response from the state and Central governments.
He also said strategic and national security considerations relating to the proposed mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet should be addressed through comprehensive assessments and should not be used to disregard the concerns of people in the project-affected areas.
The APCC placed a 13-point demand before the state and Central governments. These include immediate withdrawal of paramilitary forces and police personnel deployed in SUMP-affected areas, withdrawal of FIRs against villagers, youths and students wherever legally justified, and a review of suspension and termination orders against Gaon Burahs and other government employees in connection with the SUMP controversy.
The party also sought a temporary halt to further Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR)-related field activities, an independent review of the consultation process, scrutiny of project-related memoranda of understanding and an independent assessment of the project's social, environmental and livelihood implications.
It further demanded a written assurance from the state government and NHPC that the project would not proceed to construction if the affected people withheld consent following a lawful, transparent and credible consultation process.
Sanjoy called for the release of four detained Adi social activists—Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh and Oson Paron—and a fair legal review of the cases registered against them, including the reported invocation of the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
He also demanded a transparent inquiry into the administration of the Rs 350-crore Special Development and Livelihood Package associated with the SUMP-affected areas. APCC called for suspension of disbursement until clear guidelines, eligibility criteria and beneficiary lists were made public and independently verified through appropriate community consultation.
Alleging that concerns had been raised over possible links between financial assistance and expressions of support for the project, Sanjoy said welfare funds must not become instruments of pressure or social division.
He sought disclosure of the implementing department, allocation details and beneficiary selection procedures, besides an inquiry into the circumstances in which project-related MoUs and signatures were obtained.
“Public money is meant to empower people, not purchase their silence or manufacture consent,” he said, adding that any wrongdoing established through an inquiry should invite action under the law.
The APCC also called for the protection of ancestral land and indigenous rights, restoration of the Kebang system and other customary institutions, and direct dialogue involving village elders, SIFF representatives, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders. It stressed that the concerns of downstream communities must also be examined.
Sanjoy urged the state government to initiate dialogue with the affected communities without delay and provide credible information, sufficient time for deliberation and a meaningful opportunity for people to express their views.
He warned that unresolved tensions over SUMP could widen opposition to hydropower projects in other parts of the state.
The APCC said it would continue to pursue the issue through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means.
UNI TD BM
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