ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, June 10: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has reiterated the Centre’s commitment towards transformative development in Arunachal Pradesh, spotlighting two mega infrastructure projects—the proposed Siang Dam and the Arunachal Frontier Highway—as pivotal to the state’s economic and strategic future.
Addressing reporters on Monday, Rijiju described the Siang Dam as a "game-changer" for Arunachal Pradesh’s power sector, stating that the project, once completed, would not only strengthen energy production but also contribute significantly to the state’s revenue and self-reliance.
“This project will open up new avenues for clean energy and ensure long-term economic benefits for the people of Arunachal,” he said, underlining the government's vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.
If we were a communist government, the scene would be another issue, but we are in a democratic country, people's voice matters. So let the PFR be done peacefully, then only we can say about the Dam’s pros and cons, added the Minister.
On the sensitive issue of Chakma and Hajong communities residing in Arunachal Pradesh since 1964, Rijiju maintained that while the Centre continues to advocate for voluntary relocation, the process is hindered by a lack of cooperation from the communities involved.
“We have appealed to the Chakmas to relocate peacefully. In a democracy, forceful eviction is not permissible,” he said. Rijiju emphasized that the government is prepared to offer a rehabilitation package, but stressed that progress depends on mutual cooperation.
Referring to provisions under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Rijiju clarified that even those granted citizenship under the law cannot settle in the protected tribal areas of the Northeast, as these zones are safeguarded to protect indigenous identities and cultural rights.
Turning to the much-anticipated Arunachal Frontier Highway, Rijiju expressed concern over delays caused by what he called a "compensation culture" gripping parts of the state.
“Though the project is a dream come true for Arunachal, some vested interests are trying to delay it in the name of compensation, which is unacceptable,” Rijiju remarked sharply. He alleged that a few land officers, in collusion with local leaders, were attempting to alter the road alignment to inflate land claims and secure larger payouts.
Terming the practice a “cancer in society,” the Union Minister warned that such actions threaten to derail one of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects. However, he reassured that genuine landowners would be compensated appropriately and promptly, but cautioned against exploitation of public resources for personal gain.
The Rs 42,000 crore, 1,748-km-long highway, designed to run parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), is set to connect Bomdila in the west to Vijaynagar in the east, passing through critical regions like Nafra, Huri, and Monigong, and boosting connectivity to Myanmar.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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