Itanagar: In a sharp reversal, residents of Pangkang (Kumku) village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district have “voluntarily” withdrawn their support for the proposed 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), days after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government.
The MoU, signed last week in the presence of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Ojing Tasing and other senior officials, was seen as a green signal to move ahead with the Preliminary Feasibility Report (PFR) for the ambitious hydropower project. The state had also announced a ₹5 crore development package, with assurances of welfare schemes overseen by a newly constituted Village Development Committee.
But the apparent consensus did not last.
On Tuesday, sources confirmed that the villagers have now unanimously opted out of the agreement, citing anxiety over the project’s long-term social and environmental impact. Many have called for broader community consultations before any further steps are taken.
The move comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region. Protests led by the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) have intensified, with activists accusing the government of deploying security forces to stifle dissent and rushing into agreements without meaningful local participation.
The backlash against the project has been further compounded by serious allegations of police high-handedness and ministerial misconduct.
The Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) has submitted a formal complaint to the State Commission for Human Rights, demanding an independent probe into the alleged assault of women protesters during a recent demonstration at Boleng.
The society cited a viral video that purportedly shows Minister Ojing Tasing assaulting a woman, while another protester is seen bleeding after a reported clash with police.
The incident unfolded in Boleng on Tuesday evening during a consultative meeting between Minister Ojing Tasing, the local administration, and the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF).
Tensions escalated when a large group of villagers, opposing the proposed dam, attempted to force their way into the venue, demanding inclusion in the discussions. The situation quickly turned chaotic as clashes broke out between the protesters and security personnel, leaving several demonstrators injured.
Widely circulated videos on social media showed Minister Tasing being surrounded by an angry crowd and struggling to exit the premises. He was eventually escorted out by security personnel.
“This incident represents a grave violation of constitutional rights and human dignity,” the APWWS said, urging the commission to act swiftly and hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Minister Tasing defended his actions, claiming he was attacked during the protest. “A woman charged at me with a local knife. My security personnel intervened and disarmed her. Whatever I did was purely in self-defence,” he said.
He also alleged that the unrest was politically motivated.
“A few elements with vested interests are misleading the people and creating chaos. Still, we remain committed to dialogue and development,” he added.
Tasing admitted there were lapses in security, noting that his uncle suffered serious injuries and one of his brother’s homes was destroyed during the incident.
Despite the mounting opposition, the state government maintains that nearly 70% of the local population supports the PFR exercise. Officials say no final decision will be taken without extensive public hearings and a comprehensive compensation plan.
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