Arunachal: Indigenous farmers body vows to fight against construction of Siang dam

Itanagar: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has reaffirmed its stance against the construction of a dam on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.

The SIFF in a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Wednesday voiced strong opposition to the government's proposal for an 11,000 MW Upper Siang multipurpose storage project.

The outfit suggested that the government consider and initiate smaller dams and alternatives to mega-dams in the Siang region and throughout the state.

The forum also protested the recent detention of its convenor, Dunge Apang, and anti-dam activist Ebo Mili. The two were detained during the visit of Union Power Minister M.L. Khattar.

“Instead of securing our demands, safety, and respecting the sentiments of the tribal population, our democratic rights are being systematically oppressed,” the memorandum stated.

After the meeting, Mein posted on social media that he had listened to the grievances and assured the forum that he would take up their issues with higher authorities to find a comprehensive solution.

 “We are looking forward to another round of meetings in the near future,” he tweeted.