SIFF Opposes PMO-Level Meeting on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project to be Held in New Delhi

The impasse over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is not ending anytime soon. The project affected families are now strongly opposing the proposed PMO-level meeting to be held on

The impasse over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is not ending anytime soon. The project affected families are now strongly opposing the proposed PMO-level meeting to be held on July 15 in New Delhi. The meeting will chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P.K.Mishra.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), a major stakeholder and the organisation who has been representing farmers and families who would be affected by the project, has expressed strong opposition to the meeting, stating that the affected communities were neither informed nor invited to participate in the meeting.

Speaking to Northeast Live, SIFF Media Secretary Dunge Apang said, “We don’t support this meeting as we were not given any intimation. Had we been informed, we would have joined.”

Apang further informed that SIFF will submit a formal resolution to the government rejecting the meeting held without their knowledge. In protest, the organization will carry out a rally on 14 July at Geku town in Upper Siang District.

Significantly, on May 27, the anti-dam protests took a violent turn when protestors clashed with the police and the administration outside the Siang DC Office at Boleng and attacked Arunachal Minister Ojing Tasing in which his uncle also received injuries. There were counter allegations also claiming that Minister Tasing assaulted a woman in the crowd with videos of both allegation and counter allegations going viral.

Arunachal Chief Minister, Pema Khandu on May 30, addressing a press conference post this development, said that the project will only proceed if people say yes and that the government’s doors are always open for talks so that there can be more clarity on the matter.

The locals of the area have been opposing the projects fearing the 11,500 MW dam would wash away their homes and crop and are demanding proper compensation and rehabiltation.

Government wants the SUMP to come up to counter China’s 60,000 MW mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river.

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