Dhemaji, November 7: A protest march against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh entered Assam on November 6, reaching Jonai in Dhemaji district. Several organisations in Assam welcomed the protesters and expressed solidarity with their movement.
The march began on November 4 from Geku in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district under the leadership of the Adi Galo Welfare Society. After passing through several areas of Arunachal Pradesh, the protesters reached Jonai via Ruksin.
Members of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, among other organisations, welcomed the marchers.
AJP general secretary Chittaranjan Basumatary criticised the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh government over the proposed mega dam. He said the project could seriously affect the region’s natural environment, livelihoods, culture and way of life.
Questioning the rationale behind the project, Basumatary asked why the Siang Valley was being targeted for a massive dam in response to China’s proposed 60,000-MW hydropower project at Medog. He stressed that the concerns and consent of people living in the affected areas must be taken into account.
He also called for greater focus on agriculture, infrastructure and alternative sectors instead of treating mega dams as the only development option.
Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad central finance secretary Gyan Sharma also opposed the project and pledged support to the Adi community’s movement.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the SUMP project, release of detained individuals, withdrawal of FIRs against 48 youths, removal of security forces from affected villages, revocation of suspension orders and peaceful dialogue with the government.
Kharge Basar, spokesperson of the Adi Galo Welfare Society, was also associated with the march, which aims to take the protesters’ demands to the authorities.
