ITANAGAR, Nov 2: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF), led by its Chairman Tadak Nalo, has announced a statewide consultative meeting on November 8 next, to deliberate on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleged Chinese intrusions along the Arunachal Pradesh border and broader security concerns confronting the frontier state.
Addressing a press conference, Nalo informed that the consultative meeting would be held at DK Convention Hall, Main Auditorium, from 9 AM. He called upon political parties, student organisations, community-based organisations, civil society groups, NGOs, universities, colleges and concerned citizens to participate in the deliberations, stating that the meeting would play a crucial role in determining the future course of action on issues affecting Arunachal Pradesh.
Nalo emphasised that the proposed meeting would not be confined to the Siang dam issue alone but would also discuss alleged Chinese intrusions in Taksing, Glemmo and Maza areas and the broader national security situation in the frontier state. He maintained that the issues were not confined to any particular community or geographical region but concerned the entire state and its indigenous population.
Strongly condemning the alleged brutal treatment of Arunachalee protesters detained in New Delhi, Nalo said peaceful demonstrators protesting outside Arunachal Bhawan were subjected to unacceptable police action. He particularly condemned the alleged manhandling of activist Katon Moyong, popularly known as Aborman, stating that the incident had deeply hurt the sentiments of indigenous people across Arunachal Pradesh.
Questioning the silence of elected representatives and the state administration over the alleged police excesses, Nalo said the people of Arunachal Pradesh deserved dignity and equal treatment as citizens of the country. He also questioned Union Minister Kiren Rijiju over his role in representing the interests of Arunachal Pradesh at the national level, while expressing disappointment over the silence of political representatives on the Siang dam controversy.
Taking a dig at MP Tapir Gao and Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak, Nalo expressed concern over what he described as the absence of meaningful intervention on the proposed dam project, referring to the reported statement that the dam would be constructed under any circumstances.
Commenting on the recent violence in Pasighat amid the anti-SUMP movement, Nalo said AFTF does not support violence in any form but asserted that the incident must be understood in the context of prolonged public grievances and the failure to address the concerns of affected communities.
He alleged that the state government, central government, district administration and police administration had failed to adequately address the grievances of the people, leading to the escalation of the situation. Nalo also expressed concern over the detention of approximately 40 people, claiming that some had been detained under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while others were facing different charges.
He said the recent unrest was unfortunate but maintained that the responsibility for the prevailing situation could not be separated from the prolonged neglect of public concerns and the lack of meaningful dialogue.
Inviting all political parties, including BJP, Congress and regional parties, along with student unions such as AAPSU, ANSU and other organisations, Nalo said community-based organisations, NGOs, civil 
society groups, educational institutions and students must actively participate in the consultation.
Nalo asserted that the outcome of the meeting would not remain confined to the Siang belt or the Itanagar Capital Region but could pave the way for a broader statewide democratic movement addressing issues concerning the future of Arunachal Pradesh.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List