ITANAGAR, Nov 3: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bosiram Siram has briefed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on the border situation in Taksing in Upper Subansiri district and the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), submitting a detailed report and a set of demands concerning both issues.
Siram, accompanied by AICC in-charges of Arunachal Pradesh Dr A Chellakumar and Advocate Mathew Antony, met Kharge at his residence at 10, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi on Monday. During the meeting, Siram presented a report on the situation in Taksing, highlighting concerns relating to frontier infrastructure, connectivity and the security of the strategically located village near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He informed Kharge that he had personally visited the area with an APCC delegation to assess the ground situation.
He also recalled that the APCC had submitted a memorandum to the Vice-President of India seeking measures to strengthen the development and security of Taksing and other vulnerable frontier areas.
The party reiterated four key demands: creation of a dedicated Arunachal Regiment; all-weather road connectivity and comprehensive infrastructure development in frontier areas; adequate logistical and operational support for security forces deployed along the border; and a joint all-party parliamentary and political delegation to visit Taksing and other vulnerable locations to assess the ground situation.
On SUMP, Siram briefed Kharge on the concerns of indigenous communities in the proposed project-affected areas of Siang and Upper Siang districts. He said the APCC had constituted a study-cum-fact-finding committee, which visited the affected areas, while he had also toured several villages with APCC general secretary Chera Taya and other party leaders to interact with residents, community representatives and affected families.
According to the APCC, the interactions indicated strong opposition among affected communities to the proposed project and concerns over the possible loss of ancestral land. Siram also outlined the party's interventions through press conferences, public statements and other democratic platforms, reiterating its opposition to SUMP.
The APCC submitted a 10-point charter of demands, seeking the immediate and unconditional release of protesters detained in connection with anti-SUMP demonstrations and withdrawal of cases registered under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (APUAPA), subject to due process of law.
The demands also include revocation of suspension orders against government employees, withdrawal of cases against Gaon Burahs for supporting peaceful protests, and withdrawal of what the party described as politically motivated Special Investigation Cell (SIC) cases, in accordance with due process.
The party further sought withdrawal of additional paramilitary and security forces from SUMP-affected areas and permanent cancellation of the proposed mega dam. It also demanded compensation for individuals and families who had suffered financial losses or damage in connection with SUMP-related confrontations, along with medical treatment, rehabilitation and financial assistance for injured protesters.
It also called for restoration of peace and normalcy in the Siang region through confidence-building measures and meaningful, transparent and democratic dialogue with affected communities.
According to the APCC, Kharge heard the delegation's presentation and took note of the concerns raised on both issues. He assured the party's support to affected people and indigenous communities and reiterated the Congress's commitment to safeguarding their rights, dignity and democratic aspirations.