[ Marina Dai ]

GEKU, 28 Sep: Chief Minister Pema Khandu is expected to visit Boleng in Siang district on 29 September and Yingkiong in Upper Siang district on 30 September amid continued opposition from local residents, who fear that his visit may be linked to the pre-feasibility studies for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Several villages in the Upper Siang and Siang districts of the Siang Valley have been opposing the government's plans to proceed with the pre-feasibility studies for the proposed project.

Despite the continued opposition from villagers, the government plans to move ahead with the project, resulting in growing tensions in the valley between the authorities and members of the Adi indigenous community.

Meanwhile, villagers in Geku said they do not want the Chief Minister to visit the area, claiming that they believe his visit is connected to the proposed dam project.

Additional security personnel were reportedly deployed in Geku on Monday in connection with the proposed mega hydropower project. One of the hostels at Geku Government College, which has yet to be allotted to students, has reportedly been converted into accommodation for security personnel, with further deployments expected.

Attempts to contact the authorities concerned for confirmation did not receive a response.

The villagers continued their agitation against the proposed project on Monday, including blocking roads, as the government pressed ahead with its plans.

According to official sources, the villagers are demanding the withdrawal of the security personnel deployed in Geku. An incident was also reported on Monday when villagers attempted to drive security personnel away from locations where they had been stationed.

According to the villagers, security personnel stationed at various locations in Geku were asked to leave the area and not remain there. They also demanded that no further security personnel be deployed in the area.