Stories
APCC Urges Dialogue Over Siang Project Tensions in Arunachal Pradesh
- •The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee expressed deep concern over the law-and-order situation in Siang and Upper Siang districts regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
- •The party condemned the reported lathicharge and physical confrontation between paramilitary personnel and project-affected villagers, stating that development cannot be imposed by force.
- •APCC called for immediate steps to restore peace, a review of paramilitary deployment, and the halting of major project activities until comprehensive impact assessments are completed.
- •The Congress demanded an inclusive dialogue involving affected communities and all stakeholders, while urging the government to make all relevant project documents publicly available.
Key Questions Answered
The APCC urged the state government to de-escalate tensions, halt major project activities, and initiate an inclusive dialogue with affected communities rather than using force. The party condemned the lathicharge against protesters and stressed that land, environmental, and livelihood concerns must be addressed through consultation and transparency.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other officials clarified that the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey is intended solely to assess basic technical feasibility, viability, and likely implications, and does not constitute a final approval for construction. The state has formed an empowered high-level committee to guide the PFR survey transparently and address local concerns.
According to the state government, the SUMP is crucial for national security, flood control, water regulation in the Siang-Brahmaputra basin, and safeguarding downstream communities. It is also seen as a vital measure to strengthen India's strategic preparedness in response to upstream developments by China.
