Pema Khandu has rejected accusations that his government is coercing local communities over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), offering to meet directly with residents and groups who oppose the initiative. The statement comes as protests intensify in the Siang and Upper Siang districts, where villagers have challenged drilling activities, security deployment, and the potential consequences of the proposed hydroelectric dam.
Government’s Position on Dialogue
Khandu said the government remains open to discussing the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), a document that has fueled opposition for nearly two years. He noted that several villages have signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) supporting survey work, but acknowledged that significant sections of the local population remain opposed.
“We want to engage with people who have concerns,” Khandu said. “My administration is ready to answer questions and hear grievances directly.”
The Chief Minister announced plans to visit the Siang and Upper Siang districts to meet residents face-to-face. He urged village leaders and community organisations to approach government officials for clarification on the project and the PFR process.
Village Protests at Project Site
Villagers from Komkar and surrounding areas recently staged demonstrations at Uggeng, one of the proposed project sites. Residents from multiple villages gathered on both sides of the Siang River to oppose drilling work and question the transparency of the MoU signing process. Some participants said officials had not adequately explained the project or its potential impacts before seeking agreements.
The Upper Siang district administration subsequently imposed prohibitory orders around the Komkar Lingkok drilling and PFR site, citing concerns about public order during the demonstrations.
Security Deployment and Community Demands
Security presence has become a central point of contention. The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has criticised the deployment of security forces during survey activities, saying affected families have demanded their withdrawal from villages. The newly formed Adi Bane Kebang-United (ABK-U) has gone further, calling on Khandu to halt drilling and machinery work at proposed sites. The group has also alleged that officials and local leaders pressured some villagers into signing no-objection documents. These claims remain unverified independently.
Khandu has repeatedly denied that the government is using force to advance the project, stating that dialogue remains the preferred approach.
Strategic Significance and Local Concerns
The proposed SUMP would generate approximately 11,000 MW of electricity, making it a cornerstone of Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower ambitions. The project also carries strategic significance. The Siang River enters Arunachal Pradesh after originating as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, and New Delhi has cited concerns about China’s proposed upstream hydropower development as a factor in its own planning. Khandu has previously warned that activities upstream could affect downstream communities.
Local groups have raised additional concerns about displacement, environmental damage, and threats to traditional livelihoods. Human Rights of Arunachal has backed affected communities, calling for transparent consultation and protection of indigenous rights, land, and ecosystems before further work proceeds.
Outlook for Dialogue
The dispute now faces a critical phase. Khandu’s proposed visit may create an opening for direct engagement, though protesters continue to demand an unconditional halt to survey and drilling activities. Community groups insist they must have meaningful participation in decisions affecting their land and way of life. The coming meetings will test whether dialogue can ease tensions over a project shaped by both development ambitions and strategic considerations.