The Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) issued a one-week ultimatum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, demanding action on four key concerns related to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
The union’s demands include immediate removal of paramilitary forces from Siang and Upper Siang districts, eviction of encroachers from government school premises in various areas, revocation of suspension orders issued to eight GBs/HGBs by the Siang deputy commissioner, and complete halt to the pre-feasibility report activities for the SUMP until the villagers of the 31 affected villages are properly consulted and convinced.
The AdiSU warned that it would launch a democratic mass movement across all Adi-inhabited areas if their demands are not fulfilled within seven days.
The union stated that its previous warning was ignored. On 25 August, it had already submitted a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, but reportedly received no adequate response.
The AdiSU has long accused the state government of taking forcible actions. It condemned the deployment of thousands of paramilitary personnel for PFR-related activities, calling the move inhumane and carried out without proper public consultation.
The students have consistently maintained that the SUMP would lead to the forced displacement of people from Siang, Upper Siang, and East Siang districts. They believe that the government has taken an aggressive and inflexible stance on the project and has shown little willingness to engage with those opposing it. This approach, they say, has only aggravated an already volatile situation.
The government must begin meaningful negotiations with all protesting groups, including student bodies, who represent a significant portion of the population.