NAHARLAGUN, 17 Sep: Expressing solidarity with the affected communities of Siang and Upper Siang districts who are raising serious concerns over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), the Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) said that development must respect people's rights, dignity, land, culture, environment and security.

"No major project affecting the lives and ancestral territories of indigenous communities should proceed without transparent information, meaningful consultation and proper assessment of its consequences," the HRA said in a release.

The HRA said that the recent protests in Uggeng and other locations have demonstrated that significant sections of the affected communities remain deeply concerned about the proposed pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey and drilling activities connected with the project.

"The HRA does not oppose development. We oppose development that proceeds without adequate consultation, transparency, environmental safeguards and protection of affected people's rights," the rights body said.

The HRA appealed to both the central and state governments to listen to the affected people of Siang and Upper Siang, pause project-related survey and drilling activities where there is unresolved community opposition, and first undertake meaningful dialogue.

It asked the governments to conduct independent and comprehensive environmental, geological, seismic, social and disaster-risk assessments and ensure complete transparency regarding the proposed project and all project-related agreements and studies.

"Protect the constitutional, legal, cultural and traditional rights of indigenous communities and ensure that rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood impacts are fully addressed before any project decision," the release said.

The HRA also appealed to the AAPSU, the Adi Students Union and other organisations to come together peacefully and democratically to examine the concerns surrounding the proposed mega dam.

It particularly called upon the organisations representing the people of the Siang belt to facilitate public dialogue, awareness, documentations and peaceful democratic engagement.

The HRA urged the elected representatives of the Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang region to engage directly with the affected communities and communicate their concerns to the state and central governments.

"At this critical stage, elected representatives should ensure that the voices of their constituents are properly heard in the decision-making process," the HRA said.

It further appealed to the deputy chief minister, who is also the minister in charge of hydropower, to personally intervene in the matter and initiate a comprehensive dialogue with the affected communities.

"The immediate priority should be to reduce tensions, listen to the grievances of the people, and create a transparent mechanism through which all concerns can be examined," the rights body said.