Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Oct 24: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has questioned the state government’s approach to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), alleging that the handling of the project and related survey activities contributed to the recent unrest in the Siang belt.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo expressed concern over the violence reported in East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts on October 23. He called for greater consideration of the concerns of indigenous communities, particularly the Adi people, before proceeding with a project of such magnitude.
Nalo alleged that the proposed dam had created divisions within the Adi community and questioned whether decisions concerning ancestral land, rivers and other natural resources could be taken without the consent of affected communities.
Referring to the clashes in Pasighat, he claimed that police action against protesters opposing the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey, including the use of tear gas and a lathi-charge, aggravated tensions. He also urged the government to ensure medical treatment for those injured during the incidents.
The AFTF chairman flagged potential displacement, environmental damage and loss of traditional land and resources. He claimed that around 1.8 lakh families could be affected by the project, although the figure could not be independently verified.
Nalo also raised concerns over security arrangements in the Taksing border area, alleging that residents had reported possible cross-border intrusions and difficulties in transporting essential supplies. He questioned the reported internet shutdown and called for greater attention to border security.
He said the AFTF would raise the issues with the state government and launch a movement if its concerns remained unaddressed.