Staff REPORTER
Itanagar, Mar 19: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) has strongly opposed the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), rejecting the ongoing signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for pre-feasibility report (PFR) activities.
Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here on Thursday, SIFFYW environment engineer Katon Moyong expressed serious concern over the impact of the proposed dam on the Adi customary land, forests and rivers of the Siang Valley, particularly the Siang river.
He claimed that the state government and district administration were obtaining MoU signatures without proper consultation with all affected villagers. “Signatures are being taken from a few individuals by calling them to offices and in closed-door settings, which is a matter of serious concern for the Adi community,” he said.
Moyong emphasized that land, rivers and forests belong to the Adi people and have been protected by them for generations. He asserted that no outside authority can take over community land without the consent of the indigenous population.
He further stated that the government must obtain consent from every individual of the Adi community, and not just from representatives of the Adi Bane Kebang (ABK), before proceeding with any such project.
Citing examples of dam-related disasters in different parts of the world, particularly those linked to glacial outburst floods, the SIFFYW expressed apprehension over potential risks associated with the project.
The youth wing reiterated its firm opposition to the dam and the ongoing PFR MoU signing process. It informed that a mass public representation has been submitted by SIFFYW along with members of the indigenous Adi (Abor) community of the Siang Valley opposing the project.
The youth wing maintained that any developmental initiative must respect the will, culture and customary land rights of the indigenous people of the region.