Anti-SUMP foot march from Arunachal reaches Assam’s Lakhimpur

A solidarity foot march against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh has reached Assam’s Lakhimpur district, as protesters continue their journey towards the state capital, Itanagar.

Led by the Adi Galo Welfare Society (AGWS), the march began on November 4 from Geku village in Upper Siang district. The participants are undertaking an approximately 400-km journey to highlight concerns over the proposed mega hydropower project on the Siang river.

The protesters are demanding the immediate release of activists and demonstrators detained during earlier anti-dam protests, withdrawal of what they describe as excessive deployment of security forces in the project areas, and a halt to the pre-feasibility report (PFR) and related activities for the project.

The march has passed through areas including Ruksin and Rani before reaching Lakhimpur, drawing local participation and attention to concerns over the project's potential environmental and social impact.

Speaking to India Today NE, AGWS president Geyi Bagra said people in the Siang belt were concerned over the alleged imposition of the PFR process and the arrest of those protesting against the proposed project.

The organisation said the foot march was intended to highlight the grievances of affected communities and press the government to address their concerns.