No Forced Displacement: CM Pema Khandu Hits Back at Siang Dam Rumours
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu refutes claims of forced land seizure and displacement amid violent protests over the Siang Dam project.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly refuted allegations that residents are being forcibly displaced to make way for the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Addressing the growing unrest, the Chief Minister described claims of forced land seizure and predetermined decisions regarding the dam as entirely false.
Addressing the Fear and Misinformation
In a detailed communication, CM Khandu expressed his distress over the anxiety gripping the local population. He noted that it is painful to see elders, mothers, and the youth losing sleep over scenarios that are simply not occurring. He emphasized that the people of the region deserve accurate information to truly grasp the strategic necessity of the project and the measures being taken to address associated concerns.
The Chief Minister clarified that the current pre-feasibility report is merely an initial step. Its purpose is to establish a factual foundation for technical investigations and informed decision-making, rather than a final blueprint for construction.
The China Factor: Why the Project is Strategic
A significant driver behind the project is the geopolitical tension and water security risks posed by China. CM Khandu revealed that China began constructing a dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River—located approximately 40 kilometres from the border—on July 19, 2025, without any consultation with India.
Since nearly 65 per cent of the Aane Siang originates in China, the Chief Minister warned that the valley is now vulnerable to extreme water risks. These include:
- Sudden High-Volume Surges: The risk of massive water releases with little to no warning.
- Acute Water Scarcity: The potential for severe shortages during the dry winter months.
Khandu argued that the SUMP must be explored scientifically and technically as a feasible way to manage these seasonal shifts and maintain the ecological flow of both the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers.
A Warning Against Violence
While the Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to dialogue, transparency, and consent, he issued a stern warning to those resorting to aggression. He stated clearly that "violence can never be the answer" and that blockades, bandhs, and attacks only cause suffering for the local people.
"Those who choose violence, threaten our brothers and sisters or take the law into their own hands must clearly understand that no one is above the law," Khandu asserted.
Tensions with the Adi Community
The government's outreach follows a period of intense opposition from the indigenous Adi community. Residents have raised several critical alarms, including:
- The potential submergence of entire villages.
- Loss of ancestral lands and traditional livelihoods.
- Severe ecological consequences.
- Safety concerns due to the project's location in a seismically active zone.
The situation escalated in late September and again on October 23, when protests turned violent. During these clashes, a police station and a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation office in Pasighat were set on fire, and several vehicles and properties belonging to political leaders were damaged.
In response to the unrest, additional security forces were deployed. On October 25, CM Khandu held meetings with legislators and community representatives to discuss the pre-feasibility report and the broader implications for national security. He has now appealed to the Adi community to engage in "free and frank discussions" to find a constructive way forward.