Itanagar, Feb 18: A delegation led by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram on Wednesday called on AICC President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, at his New Delhi residence and submitted a memorandum highlighting key concerns of Arunachal Pradesh.
The delegation included APCC in-charge for Arunachal Pradesh Dr A Chellakumar and leaders of the Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP), headed by its president Tami Pangu and general secretary Kipa Natung. People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) vice president Kaling Jerang also accompanied the team.
During the meeting, the delegation raised several pressing issues concerning the state, including the need for amendment of Article 371(H) to ensure stronger constitutional safeguards and greater autonomy for the state. Concerns were also expressed over the implications of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, and the environmental, ecological and socio-economic impacts of mega dam projects in the region. The leaders emphasized sustainable development, protection of indigenous rights and environmental security.
A major issue highlighted during the meeting was the alleged Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway compensation scam and the alignment of the proposed Arunachal Frontier Highway project. Siram expressed serious concern over alleged irregularities in land compensation and deviations from the project’s original strategic objective.
He stated that the Frontier Highway was initially conceived as a strategic defence corridor, planned to run close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to strengthen border infrastructure, enhance troop mobility and ensure rapid deployment in sensitive frontier areas. However, he alleged that in several stretches the present alignment does not extend near the frontier areas but instead passes through villages and areas near administrative centres, raising questions about deviation from its intended purpose.
Siram cautioned that infrastructure meant for national security should not be reduced to ordinary district-level connectivity projects. He further termed the alleged land compensation irregularities in the Lada-Sarli stretch as a serious corruption concern under the BJP-led state government and demanded transparency in land acquisition records, public disclosure of compensation details and an independent inquiry to fix responsibility.
The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with a comprehensive exchange of views. Kharge reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised and assured the delegation of necessary support in taking up the matters at appropriate forums.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collectively safeguard the interests of Arunachal Pradesh and uphold the principles of democracy, social justice and inclusive development.