Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF), under the chairmanship of Tadak Nalo, has raised serious concerns over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), the recent protest in Pasighat, and alleged security-related issues in the sensitive Taksing border area of Arunachal Pradesh.
In a statement, AFTF Chairman Tadak Nalo questioned the government’s approach towards the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, stating that local communities have been opposing the project for decades due to concerns over displacement, loss of ancestral land, and the potential impact on the environment and indigenous livelihoods.
Nalo questioned the reported position that land and rivers fall under the authority of the Central Government, stressing that the concerns and consent of affected indigenous communities must be taken into account before proceeding with a project of such magnitude.
Reacting to the recent protest in Pasighat, Nalo alleged that youths opposing the conduct of the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) process faced police action, including lathi-charge and the use of tear gas. The organisation also claimed that several youths were detained during the incident.
AFTF demanded the immediate release of the detained youths and urged the government to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured during the confrontation. Nalo emphasised that the situation could be resolved through dialogue, constructive engagement, and meaningful consideration of the concerns raised by the affected communities.
The organisation expressed apprehension that the proposed dam could have far-reaching consequences for the Adi community, including the possible displacement of villages, loss of ancestral territories, and damage to rivers, forests, and other natural resources. It also questioned the rehabilitation arrangements for families who may be affected if the project proceeds.
Apart from the Siang dam issue, AFTF highlighted concerns regarding the Taksing border area, alleging that local residents have been raising issues related to possible cross-border intrusions and inadequate security arrangements since 2021.
Nalo questioned the government’s priorities, asking why security deployment in the Siang region could not be matched by adequate arrangements in other strategically sensitive border areas. The organisation also raised concerns over the difficulties faced by residents in transporting essential supplies to the remote region and the reported internet shutdown.
AFTF maintained that the welfare and security of people living in remote border areas must receive due attention, arguing that national security and the protection of indigenous communities should go hand in hand.
Nalo further stated that AFTF would take up these issues in the state capital and initiate a movement if the government failed to give due attention to the concerns raised by the organisation.

---

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