Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing Calls for Boycott of Hydropower Project Meeting

The Youth Wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum has declared a boycott of an upcoming meeting organized by Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister regarding a contentious hydropower project. They demand the withdrawal of FIRs against activists, the release of detained individuals, and compensation for affected villagers. The project faces significant opposition from locals due to fears of displacement and ecological damage. The forum urges community leaders to refrain from engaging with the government until their grievances are addressed. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding development projects in sensitive regions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 11, 2026, 09:54 IST

Boycott of Meeting Regarding Siang Hydropower Project

File image of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh (Photo: AT)

Itanagar, Oct 11: The Youth Wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum has announced a boycott of the upcoming meeting scheduled for October 13, which is being organized by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. This meeting aims to address concerns regarding the controversial 11,200-MW hydropower project planned for the Siang region.

The Chief Minister's meeting will include representatives from the ABK Youth Wing and the Adi Students’ Union. However, the Youth Wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum insists on a boycott until their four primary demands are met.

The forum has accused the state government of using oppressive tactics against indigenous groups who oppose the project. They have stated that no discussions should take place until the First Information Reports (FIRs) against villagers and activists involved in anti-dam protests are revoked, and the Central Armed Police Forces stationed in the Siang area are withdrawn.

Additionally, they are demanding the immediate and safe release of all individuals currently in police or judicial custody, full compensation for villagers who have been injured, and restitution for damages to private vehicles and village properties.

The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum Youth Wing has urged community organizations, student unions, clan representatives, and political leaders to avoid engaging with the government regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project under the pretense of consultations. They emphasized that dialogue is impossible while protesters remain incarcerated and their issues unresolved.

Local residents have expressed strong opposition to the hydropower project, citing concerns about its potential impact on their traditional lifestyles, fears of displacement, ecological harm, and the dangers associated with constructing a large-scale project in a seismically active area.

They are calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities and survey work related to the project on the Siang River, as well as the withdrawal of security forces from areas that may be affected.