ITANAGAR, 17 Sep: The Siang Indigenous Farmer's Forum Youth Wing (SIFFYW) has strongly condemned the registration of a CBI case against environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak over allegedly receiving illegal foreign contributions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, (FCRA), 2010.
Tatak has been leading the protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a proposed 12,500-megawatt power project on the Siang river and the 2,880-megawatt power project on the Dibang river.
The forum in a press statement on Wednesday termed the action "a clear attempt at harassment" and stated that the timing and nature of the case registration appear deliberately designed to create disunity, sow doubts and weaken the solidarity among SIFF members and the wider community.
"We refuse to fall for such tactics. It is a matter of deep shame that a woman who has given so much to the SIFF and to the defence of our ancestral land is being singled out in this manner. Tatak, a prominent leader and member of the SIFF and its legal adviser, has been a pillar of strength in our movement. Through her dedicated work, she has guided the forum with legal insight, organised and sustained the struggle of indigenous communities, and stood at the forefront of the protests against the proposed Siang Multipurpose Project and other threats to our rivers and ancestral lands. As coordinator of related civil society efforts, she has consistently raised the concerns of the people of Siang and beyond with courage and clarity.
As a true daughter of the Abor land, she has spoken fearlessly for our rights, identity and future. Instead of listening to these genuine concerns, the authorities have chosen to criminalise her," the forum stated.
It categorically rejected any alleged attempt to silence or isolate Tatak, and stated that the villagers of Siang and Upper Siang districts stand firmly with her. "The entire SIFFYW extends its full and unwavering support to her. We condemn this CBI case registration in the strongest terms and demand that the harassment stops immediately," the forum added.
