KOMKAR: Upper Siang saw a major protest as hundreds of villagers united to protest the deployment of central and state armed police forces.
The forces were being deployed to assist the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in conducting a pre-feasibility study for the 12,500-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. It was not just a protest against the deployment of armed police but also a strong stand against the project itself.
The protest began with an effigy of Chief Minister Pema Khandu being burned, followed by a march through Komkar Buksang. The villagers demanded that the state government reverse its decision to send armed forces to facilitate the NHPC study. Many protesters were visibly emotional, expressing that the government’s actions had disregarded their objections to the multipurpose hydropower project. Some argued that the government had decided to use force without consulting the people and without any consideration for their concerns.
The villagers also vented their frustrations against the Chief Minister for betraying the earlier promises. During the election, Khandu had assured the public that the Siang hydropower project would go ahead only after consultation and consent from the people in the area. After the election, he was blamed by the villagers for going back on those promises and for a breach of trust.
The protest also voiced criticism of the local leadership, including elected MLA and Panchayat Minister Ojing Tasing and MP Tapir Gao. The protesters were displeased with their representatives' inability to stand up for the people's interest.
During the rally, most speakers were against the arming of police to protect NHPC study, terming the government as treating them like enemies of the state. "We are Indians and not Pakistanis or Chinese," one speaker declared, emphasizing their belonging sense and patriotism.
Sangum Yao, the Gaon Bura of Komkar (Rasing), was very emotionally eloquent at the rally as he declared, "We love our motherland. We have lived here since generations. We will never allow dams to come here. Nothing is important than our own motherland. If the CAPF comes, we will not let them in.
Another villager, Getin Boko of Komkar Rasing said the government's claim is far from true. According to him, a signature campaign where more than 90 percent of the villagers of Komkar Rasing opposed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is on record.
Earlier, the government had announced that hundreds of Central Armed Police Force and state police personnel would be deployed to prevent protests against the NHPC's pre-feasibility study. The tension in Upper Siang continues to remain a testament to the deep divide between the state government and the local communities, as the villagers remain resolute in their opposition to the proposed hydropower project.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: