Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Kaling Moyong has appealed to people protesting the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) to maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the Siang region over the proposed mega dam project. Opposition from sections of local communities has intensified as authorities continue survey and feasibility-related activities linked to the project.
Moyong said disagreements over development projects should be addressed through dialogue and established legal mechanisms rather than confrontation.
Protests Over Siang Project Continue
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has faced resistance from several local organisations and sections of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh.
Protesters have raised concerns about the possible impact of the project on land, livelihoods, the environment and traditional ways of life.
The project involves the construction of a major dam on the Siang River and has been proposed as a multipurpose initiative involving hydropower generation and water management.
The government has maintained that the current feasibility studies are necessary to understand the technical and environmental aspects of the project before any final decision is taken.
Minister Urges Protesters to Follow Law
Moyong appealed to protesters to express their concerns peacefully and use democratic and legal channels.
He said people have the right to raise objections and make their views known, but stressed that protests should not result in violence, damage to public property or obstruction of government activities.
The Home Minister’s remarks come after tensions were reported during protests against survey activities in the Siang region.
He urged all sides to maintain restraint so that the issue could be discussed without further escalation.
Government Says Dialogue Is Essential
The state government has repeatedly called for dialogue with local stakeholders over the Siang project.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also urged community representatives, legislators, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to participate in consultations concerning the project.
The government has said that concerns raised by affected communities will be considered during the assessment process.
Officials have stressed that the preparation of a Pre-Feasibility Report does not automatically mean that construction of the project has been approved.
Concerns Over Survey Activities
The immediate source of tension has been survey and investigation work being carried out as part of the project’s feasibility assessment.
Several local groups have opposed the continuation of these activities and demanded that the process be stopped until wider consultations are held.
Protesters have argued that the government should first address questions surrounding land, rehabilitation, environmental impact and the rights of local communities.
Authorities, meanwhile, have maintained that the survey is part of the preliminary process required to determine whether the project is technically feasible.
Siang River Holds Cultural Significance
The Siang River has significant cultural and economic importance for communities living along its course.
For many indigenous residents, the river is closely connected with traditional practices, agriculture, livelihoods and community identity. This has contributed to the strong emotional response to proposals for a major dam in the region.
The government has acknowledged these concerns and said the views of local communities need to be considered before any major decision is taken.
The challenge for the administration is to balance development objectives with environmental and social concerns raised by affected populations.
Government Highlights Project’s Potential Benefits
The proposed Siang project has been presented by the government as more than a power-generation initiative.
Officials have highlighted potential benefits involving water storage, flood management, energy generation and economic development. The project is also being discussed in the context of long-term water security and the strategic importance of the Siang River.
At the same time, the government has indicated that detailed technical, environmental and social assessments must be undertaken before the project can move forward.
Need for Peaceful Resolution
The Home Minister’s appeal reflects the government’s attempt to prevent the dispute from escalating into further confrontation.
Moyong urged protesters and authorities alike to exercise restraint and ensure that differences are resolved through discussions and established legal processes.
The administration has also indicated that representatives of affected communities will have opportunities to present their concerns during consultations.
Siang Dam Debate Enters Sensitive Phase
The Siang dam protests have become a major issue in Arunachal Pradesh, bringing questions of development, environmental protection, indigenous rights and water security into the spotlight.
As opposition to the project continues, the state government is emphasising dialogue while urging protesters not to resort to actions outside the law.
With feasibility studies and consultations still ongoing, the future of the Siang project will depend on technical assessments, government decisions and the extent to which concerns raised by local communities can be addressed through a peaceful and transparent process.