Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Aug 16: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has strongly rejected the state government’s claim that 329 individuals have consented to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), calling it “a complete misrepresentation of facts.”
Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club on Saturday, SIFF spokesperson Tagori Mize accused the government of attempting to “manufacture an image of consent” despite widespread opposition from the ground. “The truth is that affected communities are overwhelmingly against this mega dam, which threatens to destroy our land, culture, and livelihoods,” Mize stated.
According to SIFF, serious discrepancies in the consent process undermine the credibility of the pre-feasibility report (PFR) prepared by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and endorsed by the state government. The forum alleged that officials inflated support figures, misinformed villagers, and bypassed traditional community consultation mechanisms.
Citing information obtained through an RTI, SIFF revealed that only 277 out of 429 households in Riga village had actually given their approval, contrary to the 329 figure claimed by the Siang Upper Multipurpose Dam Committee (SUPMDC). The forum further alleged that 17 signatures were falsified, while some households were counted multiple times with duplicate signatories—such as husbands, wives, or children—artificially boosting the numbers.
Mize argued that many villagers were not properly informed about the implications of the MoU, which violates the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). SIFF has demanded a review by the Riga Humbung–Hiram Baane Kebang (RHHBK), the apex village council, noting that elected representatives signed the MoU without consulting the council despite repeated invitations.
Reaffirming its stand, SIFF announced it will hold a mass rally on August 20 to showcase the collective resistance of indigenous people to the SUMP. “The rally will be a clear message that our people are united in protecting the Siang and will not allow our future to be sacrificed in the name of so-called development,” Mize added.

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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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