ITANAGAR, Nov 10: The Adi Ba:ne Kebang United (ABKU) has sought an immediate clarification from the state government over what it termed contradictory statements by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
In a representation addressed to Commissioner (East) Amjad Tak on Tuesday, the organisation pointed out that while the Chief Minister had repeatedly stated since 2024 that the dam would not be constructed if the affected people were opposed to it, the MP and other elected representatives had allegedly been making statements suggesting that the project would be implemented.
Citing Gao’s reported remarks "dam to banega hi banega" during his visit to Tezu on November 9, ABKU said the MP had reiterated the assertion that the dam would be built, raising questions over the government’s position on the project.
The organisation questioned which statement the people of the Siang project-affected areas should rely on and demanded that the government clarify whether the Chief Minister’s assurance or the statements attributed to the MP and other elected representatives reflected its official stand.
It also expressed concern over the alleged filing of criminal cases against youths and the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces and Rapid Action Force personnel in the region, while accusing the government of conducting a public campaign in support of the project.
The organisation said it would not respond to any future invitations for talks on the dam issue unless an acceptable clarification was provided by the government.