[ Bengia Ajum ]

YINGKIONG, 10 Oct: Tension is palpable across the Siang Valley as the state government pushes ahead with the pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

The deployment of a massive number of central armed police personnel in Siang and Upper Siang districts, coupled with the arrest of several anti-dam activists, has further heightened tensions in the area. Locals have alleged that the security forces are harassing them and disrupting their daily lives.

The government is pushing hard to move ahead with the PFR, but on the ground, a section of the population remains determined to resist the exercise at every step. A sense of fear and uncertainty prevails in the area.

"We have made it clear that we do not want a dam in our area; so what is the point of carrying out the PFR? We will not allow the PFR exercise to proceed at any cost. We are being fooled when we are told that a PFR does not mean a dam, as minister Ojing Tasing and MP Tapir Gao have already stated that the dam will be constructed under any circumstances," said Sen Teksing of Simong village in Upper Siang district.

He further said that no amount of compensation would persuade them to accept the SUMP.

"No matter how much money the government offers us, we will not allow a dam in our area. Our agricultural economy revolves around the Siang River, so how can we give up our livelihood? Our ancestors settled near the Siang after coming down from the hills because of the fertile soil. How does the government expect us to return to the mountains to settle?" he added.

The local community also fears that they could become refugees within their own state if the dam is constructed.

"We will become refugees in our own state, just like the Chakma and Hajong people, who were displaced by the Kaptai dam in Chittagong. Our voices are being suppressed, and we are not allowed to express our views freely. Government employees are facing a particularly difficult situation, as they are being harassed and pressured to support the dam. But we will still not allow the PFR to proceed," said Rupil Boli of Upper Siang.

The general secretary of the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), Likeng Libang, whose organisation has been spearheading the anti-dam movement, said they are ready for peace talks with the government, but only under certain conditions.

"After 12 October, we are ready for talks if the situation improves. But first, the state government must immediately withdraw the central armed paramilitary forces from Siang and Upper Siang districts," Libang said.

The SIFF also demanded unconditional withdrawal of police cases against anti-dam protesters. "Our members, along with several other anti-dam activists, have been falsely implicated in police cases. We are being harassed, and unless these cases are withdrawn, we cannot hold talks with the government in such a fearful atmosphere," he added.

Libang also called on the government to revoke the suspension and termination orders issued against gaon buras (GBs).

"They were suspended for allegedly participating in anti-dam protests. Their suspension, along with the transfer of local government employees to other districts, should be revoked. The peace talks should also be held either in Yingkiong or Geku, which is in the project-affected area," he added.

Women are also at the forefront of the anti-dam movement. "I am a mother, and it pains me to see my children suffer because of the SUMP issue. The administration is harassing us by filing false police cases against villagers, including women, simply because they are protesting against the SUMP. We do not trust the government, so the PFR cannot be allowed to proceed. They will somehow construct the dam once the PFR is completed," said Olak Padung, a woman resident of Upper Siang.

Tajong Mize, a gaon bura of Riga village in Siang district, alleged that he had been tricked into signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), allowing the PFR to proceed.

"I was made to sign an MoU for the PFR on a blank sheet of paper through deception. We were told that we would be paid Rs 2.5 lakh for our agricultural activities. They took our photographs in front of our gardens but never told us that it was related to the SUMP," Mize alleged.

Anti-dam supporters claimed that the majority of people in the two districts oppose the SUMP.

"The majority of people in Siang and Upper Siang districts are against the SUMP. Minister Ojing Tasing is wrong in claiming that the majority support the project. He should not spread false information. Forget about the dam, we will not even allow the PFR to proceed," said Tanam Jerang of Riga village.

However, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo dismissed the allegation that the government is forcibly imposing the dam on the people.

"There is a misunderstanding between the government and the public. Our message has not reached the people. The government is not against the public. From the chief minister downwards, everyone in the government is trying to clear up the misunderstanding. The communication gap will gradually be bridged," Tajo said.

He said also that government employees are bound by service rules and therefore cannot openly speak against the government.

"The SUMP is a national project in the national interest. China is constructing a project on its side, and we need to take this into consideration. We have to carry out the PFR to get a clear picture of whether a dam can be constructed or not," he added.

Tajo also warned people against taking the law into their own hands.

"The public should trust us. Anyone who breaks the law will be held responsible. The police have been instructed to exercise utmost restraint. Government property has been damaged, and law and order must be maintained," the deputy commissioner added.

Meanwhile, Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, who is leading the pro-dam campaign, said that nobody was forced to sign an MoU.

"Everyone signed voluntarily. The majority support the SUMP, but people are afraid to come out openly because anti-dam protesters are resorting to violence. They are indulging in lawless activities. I have been threatened, and my family, including my children and mother, has not been spared. They have been abused," Tasing alleged.

The minister said also that talks with the SIFF would not be possible if the organisation insists on preconditions.

Tasing further claimed that the SUMP would bring massive development to the Adi belt, and said that the community might never get another opportunity for development if it misses out on the project.