The villagers of Riga in Siang district reportedly expressed their displeasure during the visit of local MLA and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing to the proposed survey site for the 11,000 mw Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The minister, accompanied by the deputy commissioner and other officials, was stopped by villagers who oppose the project, as is being reported in the media. Protesting under the banner of the Siang District Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, the villagers accused the government of ignoring their repeated objections and pushing forward with development projects without proper consultation.
While the government appears eager to begin the pre-feasibility report, the All Riew Students’ Union has rejected the memorandum of understanding signed by Riew villagers for the PFR preparation. The students argue that the entire process lacked transparency.
This comes even as the government claims that over 60% of the population has agreed to the hydro project on the Siang river.
Amid conflicting claims, it is essential for the state and the affected communities to engage in meaningful dialogue to determine whether the PFR should proceed. The current stalemate has only led to increased uncertainty and perceptions of coercion, which need to be addressed through open and inclusive negotiations.