Itanagar, Oct 28 The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), an apex body of community-based organisations representing the state’s tribes, on Wednesday announced the formation of a high-level committee to facilitate dialogue and restore peace in the Siang region amid tensions over the proposed mega dam project.
Speaking to reporters at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar, AITF general secretary Tapi Tai said the initiative was undertaken to assess the ground situation following recent incidents of violence in Pasighat and Geku and explore possibilities for an amicable resolution.
An AITF Peace Committee comprising representatives of different indigenous communities will function under the high-level committee to engage with stakeholders and bridge communication gaps, he said.
“The committee will adopt a neutral and independent approach, with the sole objective of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the Siang belt,” he added.
Strongly opposing the heavy deployment of security personnel in Pasighat and adjoining areas, the AITF criticised the state government’s handling of the situation and reiterated its demand for dialogue instead of an increased security presence.
The forum said it had earlier urged the government to engage directly with affected families rather than deploy additional forces.
Meaningful consultations, mutual understanding and confidence-building measures were essential to prevent further escalation, it said.
Appealing for collective efforts, the AITF urged government officials, intellectuals, grassroots institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to participate in constructive dialogue to find a peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has also offered to mediate talks between the state government and the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) over the proposed project.
In a recent representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the ACF expressed concern over the prevailing situation and called for timely intervention to address apprehensions, bridge communication gaps and prevent further escalation.
The forum said the contentious project involved sensitive issues concerning development, indigenous rights, agricultural livelihoods and the future of communities in the Siang region.
It stressed that these concerns required a transparent, sensitive and consultative approach that respected the voices and aspirations of affected communities.
Offering to act as a neutral facilitator, the ACF said it was willing to initiate preliminary peace talks between the government and the SIFF, subject to the consent of both sides.
Stressing that its initiative should not be construed as either supporting or opposing the proposed project, the forum said its role would be limited to facilitating communication, promoting mutual understanding and creating conditions for meaningful dialogue.
“Peace must precede progress, dialogue must replace confrontation and mutual understanding must guide the resolution of public concerns,” it said.
The proposed 11,200-mw Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is aimed at strengthening India’s energy and water security, moderating floods and supporting regional development.
Its strategic importance has also been linked to concerns over possible upstream interventions in the Brahmaputra basin.
However, the project has faced opposition from sections of the local population over its potential social and environmental impact, including implications for downstream communities, triggering violent protests.
(PTI News)
