A Correspondent
Itanagar: Human rights and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili have criticized the state government for deploying a large number of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel to facilitate the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Siang Multipurpose Dam Project in Riu village, Upper Siang district.
Mili alleged that the deployment of such a significant security force is an attempt to intimidate local residents who are opposed to the project. He questioned the need for such a heavy security presence, especially for a project that is still in its preliminary stages.
Addressing the media Arunachal Press Club (APC) here today, Mili cited a letter issued by the Siang District Commissioner, PN Thungon, which directed the Circle Officer to arrange accommodation for the CAPF personnel. Mili argued that this deployment is excessive and unnecessary, especially for a project which is not welcomed by the local inhabitants.
Mili said that the deployment of a large number of CAPF personnel in Riu village, is an attempt to silence local opposition. The dam is supposed to be constructed in the area between Siang and Upper Siang district, with a capacity of 10,000MW.
“The project affected families are the sole authority to grant permission for the project, and not the state government. The affected families have outrightly denied any construction of dams in the area. Now, why is the state government enforcing force for the PFR,” he questioned the state government.
Mili urged organizations and individuals to support the cause of local communities and condemn the use of force to push through the project. He also clarified that the majority of the Siang River’s water source originates from glaciers within Indian territory.
Besides, he said that a wrong narrative has been built by the state political leaders that the water source of Siang River is from Tibet region. Which is false, as the majority of the water source of the river is from Glaciers within the Indian territory.
While most of the rivers in the lower areas of dams in the state have been facing acute shortage of water, there is no alternative to compensate for it as claimed by the state government, he added.
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