| Staff REPORTER |
Itanagar, Sep 23: The Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) and the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) have warned of a stronger democratic movement across Adi-inhabited areas if the state government fails to address concerns over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Speaking to reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here today, SIFF spokesperson Tagori Mize informed that as the first step of the movement, a 12-hour bandh was observed on September 22, which passed off peacefully without any untoward incident.
“SIFF and the student community of the Siang belt want the government to come and explain to the affected families the merits and demerits of a dam through an awareness programme. But till date, the government has failed to address this demand. Why is the state government taking the Adi people for granted?” Mize questioned.
He accused the government of “misleading the public” by collecting signatures for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from villagers who were unaware of the implications of the mega dam.
Reiterating SIFF’s stand, Mize asserted: “We strongly oppose construction of the dam. Our slogan is ‘No Dam, No PFR.’ However, if villagers, after proper awareness and consultation, want it, we will have no objection.”
The two organizations cautioned that unless the government comes forward with transparency and genuine dialogue, they will be compelled to intensify their movement in the coming days.