UBSS Criticizes Arunachal Government's Outreach on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

The Uttama Bor Abor Sanrakshana Sanrachana (UBSS) has criticized the Arunachal Pradesh government's recent outreach regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. They claim the government's assertion that the release of four detainees was a confidence-building measure is disingenuous. UBSS chairman Bigam Pertin argues that the detainees were wrongfully held and outlines conditions for future dialogue, including the withdrawal of FIRs against activists and the release of remaining detainees. The organization is also pursuing legal action for Project Affected Family status and other demands related to the project, highlighting ongoing tensions between the government and local groups.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 13:54 IST

Concerns Over Government's Outreach Efforts

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

Roing, Nov 12: The Uttama Bor Abor Sanrakshana Sanrachana (UBSS) has dismissed the Arunachal Pradesh government's recent outreach regarding the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. They described the government's claim that the release of four detainees was a "confidence-building measure" as insincere and politically motivated.

In a letter dated November 11 addressed to the Adi Ba Kebang United (ABK-U), the Chief Minister's Office stated that the release of four individuals detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014, on November 7 was meant to foster trust.

However, UBSS chairman Bigam Pertin refuted this characterization, asserting that the detainees—Adum Tayom, Omak Paron, Okut Paloh, and Oson Paron—had been held since October 9 without any wrongdoing. He argued that their release should be seen as a rectification of what he termed arbitrary detention rather than a gesture of goodwill.

Pertin also raised concerns about the government's authority over traditional institutions, noting that the suspension or revocation of Gaon Burahs (GBs) had minimal impact. He pointed out that villagers continued to regard the suspended GBs as legitimate under customary law and involved them in community matters despite official actions against them.

While UBSS and other community organizations, including ABK (U), SIFF, and SAAYA, are open to discussions, Pertin outlined three prerequisites for any engagement. The first condition is the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs against activists and community members related to the October 23 incident. The second is the unconditional release of all remaining detainees.

The third condition calls for the complete withdrawal of paramilitary forces from civilian areas in the three Siang districts, with Pertin suggesting their redeployment to Aksai Chin, which he claims is currently under Chinese control.

Additionally, UBSS is pursuing a constitutional petition, WP/66/2026, before the Itanagar Permanent Bench of the Gauhati High Court against five government respondents in February 2026. This legal action aims to secure Project Affected Family (PAF) status for downstream populations in Dibang, the construction of a high-embankment highway measuring 25 feet in height and 30 meters in width, with an estimated cost of Rs 9,500 crore, and to mandate public hearings in Assam.

The recent developments highlight ongoing tensions between the government and groups expressing concerns about the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, with UBSS linking any further discussions to the fulfillment of its outlined conditions.