Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Jun 19: The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has submitted a three-point memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking immediate government intervention on issues related to the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the Itanagar Capital Region, and alleged financial irregularities in a road project in Kra-Daadi district.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Friday, UAPF president Khyoda Daniel said the memorandum was submitted in the interest of protecting indigenous rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
He warned that if the government fails to address the forum's demands within 14 days, the UAPF would launch a democratic agitation until appropriate action is taken.
On the power sector issue, the forum demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System and restoration of the conventional postpaid billing mechanism. It also sought free electricity up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers in the state.
Daniel argued that despite Arunachal Pradesh's immense hydropower potential, residents continue to bear high electricity costs. He maintained that the people of the state should directly benefit from its natural resources and called for a special power subsidy policy for economically weaker sections.
He further alleged that the prepaid metering system has created hardships for daily wage earners, pensioners, rural residents and other economically weaker groups, citing frequent power disconnections due to insufficient balance, recharge-related charges and difficulties faced by elderly citizens and those living in remote areas with limited access to digital payment services.
The forum's second demand concerns the de-reservation or rationalisation of forest boundaries within the Capital Complex and adjoining areas. According to Daniel, large portions of the present-day ICR were brought under the Durpang Reserved Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, when Arunachal Pradesh was still a Union Territory. He claimed that the reserved forest status has complicated the issuance of land possession certificates (LPCs), land allotments, building permissions and bank loans.
He also stated that several infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, Govt offices and water supply schemes, often face delays due to forest clearance requirements. The forum has called for the regularisation of traditional land holdings and settlements allegedly included within reserved forest areas without adequate consultation.
The third demand relates to an alleged misuse of public funds in the construction of the Dari-Chambang road project in Kra-Daadi district. UAPF general secretary Dangu Mama alleged that more than Rs 121 crore had been misappropriated in the project. He claimed that while the actual road length between Dari and Chambang is around 26 km, funds were allegedly withdrawn for the construction of a 38 to 40-km stretch.
The forum urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and take stringent action against those found responsible.
"We appeal to the government to take immediate action on all three issues within 14 days, as these matters are directly linked to public welfare, development and accountability in governance," Mama said.