ITANAGAR, Nov 15: The 12-day peaceful foot march organised by the Adi-Galo Welfare Society (AGWS) from Geku in Upper Siang district reached IG Park, Itanagar, on Sunday, November 15, with the organisation reiterating its opposition to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and urging the state government to address the concerns of affected villagers.
The march, which began on November 4, covered approximately 500 kilometres, according to AGWS spokesperson Karge Basar. The organisation said the primary objective of the march was to raise public awareness about the proposed mega dam and draw the government's attention to the concerns and apprehensions of communities living in the project-affected areas.
Speaking to the media upon reaching Itanagar, Basar said AGWS had earlier submitted a memorandum and a charter of demands to the state government, including an appeal to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein to directly engage with representatives of the affected villages before taking any further steps regarding the project.
Basar maintained that the voices of the directly affected villagers must be given priority, claiming that people in the affected areas remain opposed to the proposed dam and its Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR).
Among the key demands raised by AGWS are the withdrawal of FIRs and Special Investigation Team (SIT) cases registered against village leaders associated with the movement, revocation of suspension orders issued against government employees allegedly supporting the villagers' concerns, and the release of those detained in connection with the ongoing protests.
The organisation also demanded the withdrawal of paramilitary forces deployed in the affected areas, arguing that their presence has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among local residents. Basar claimed that restrictions on routine activities, including movement into forests, have further affected the daily lives of villagers.
Expressing concern over the detention of students, particularly those associated with Jawaharlal Nehru College, Basar appealed to the government to release them so that they could continue their academic activities and appear for their examinations. He said any further legal proceedings against those accused of wrongdoing could continue through the established judicial process. 

On the government's response, Basar said that although an invitation for talks was reportedly conveyed through intermediaries on November 5, the organisation did not receive any concrete communication or assurance from the government during the foot march.

He also referred to the Chief Minister's recent statement regarding the possible revocation of suspension orders against certain village leaders and the government's position that matters relating to detainees fall under the purview of the law.
He further disclosed that AGWS had held discussions with organisations and community groups in Assam, including KMSS, AJYCP and other anti-big-dam platforms. According to him, these groups have expressed solidarity and assured support in future actions concerning the SUMP issue.
Warning of further agitation if the government's response remains unsatisfactory, Basar said the organisation may consider a hunger strike or sit-in demonstration. He also indicated that future movements could involve coordinated participation from organisations in both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

 

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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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