Arunachal protesters march into Assam, demand scrapping of 11,200-MW Siang Project

An ongoing protest march against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh crossed into Assam's Dhemaji district on November 6, drawing support from several organisations in Jonai.

The march, which began on November 4 from Geku in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district under the leadership of the Adi Galo Welfare Society, reached Jonai through Ruksin after passing through different parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Protesters were warmly welcomed by members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, among other organisations.

AJP general secretary Chittaranjan Basumatary expressed solidarity with the protesters and criticised the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh government over the proposed mega dam.

"People of Arunachal Pradesh are not beggars. We will not tolerate any conspiracy to destroy the Siang Valley in the name of development," Basumatary said.

He said the proposed project could have serious consequences for the region's natural environment, livelihoods, culture and way of life. He questioned why the Siang Valley was being targeted for a massive dam in response to China's proposed 60,000-MW hydropower project at Medog.

Basumatary argued that the concerns and consent of people living in the affected areas should not be ignored and said development in Arunachal Pradesh should also focus on agriculture, infrastructure and alternative sectors rather than presenting mega dams as the only option.

He further referred to promises made by Narendra Modi and then BJP president Rajnath Singh during the 2014 election campaign against the construction of large dams in Arunachal Pradesh. He warned that democratic protests against the proposed project would continue.

Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad central finance secretary Gyan Sharma also opposed the project, saying his organisation would stand firmly with the Adi community and support its movement against the proposed dam.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the SUMP project, release of detained individuals, withdrawal of FIRs registered against 48 youths, removal of security forces from affected villages, revocation of suspension orders and initiation of peaceful dialogue with the government.

The march from Geku is intended to take the protesters' demands to the authorities. Kharge Basar, spokesperson of the Adi Galo Welfare Society, was also among those associated with the protest march.