ITANAGAR, Oct 13: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday agreed in principle to proposals for reducing the deployment of security forces in the Siang Valley and withdrawing FIRs as confidence-building measures to facilitate dialogue over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
Khandu announced the decision following an interactive meeting with the Adi Baane Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW) and the Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, on the way forward for wider consultations and meaningful dialogue on the proposed project.
In a social media post soon after the meeting, the Chief Minister said he had received requests from the two organisations seeking a reduction in security deployment in the Siang valley and withdrawal of FIRs.
“Dialogue requires trust and mutual understanding. We remain committed to dialogue, consent and finding a constructive way forward,” Khandu said, adding that he agreed to the proposals in principle as confidence-building measures to facilitate dialogue.
He expressed hope that both organisations would work constructively to create an atmosphere of trust and dialogue in the Siang Valley.
The Chief Minister’s statement signals an effort to ease tensions and create a conducive atmosphere for engagement with stakeholders over the proposed project, which has witnessed opposition and concerns among sections of the local population.
The proposed SUMP and the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) exercise have been at the centre of discussions in the Siang and Upper Siang districts, with local organisations raising concerns over the project and demanding wider consultations.
Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also participated in the interaction, described the discussions with the ABK Youth Wing and AdiSU as fruitful and said the focus was on the way forward for wider consultations and meaningful dialogue on the proposed PFR.
“We are here to create avenues for the development of our youths and secure their future. We are always open for discussions and consultation with the people of the Siang and Upper Siang districts,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
“Our collective goal is to ensure a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, while safeguarding the interests of future generations,” he said.
The emphasis on dialogue and confidence-building comes amid continuing concerns over the proposed project and demands from local organisations for a more consultative approach. The government has maintained that wider engagement with stakeholders is necessary to move forward constructively on the PFR process.
The latest initiative is expected to provide an opportunity for renewed engagement between the state government and community organisations, with the proposed reduction in security deployment and withdrawal of FIRs intended to help build trust and facilitate further consultations.