Former Minister’s Residence Vandalised Amid Anti-Dam Protest in Arunachal; Ninong Ering Calls for Dialogue
Pasighat West MLA and former Union Minister of State Ninong Ering urges stakeholders to discuss the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the proposed Siang project.
Amid ongoing protests against the proposed Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh, former Union Minister of State and Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering has called for resolving the issue through dialogue with all stakeholders. Emphasising the importance of the project’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR), he said the report was essential to understand the potential impact of the proposed dam on local communities, particularly in view of China’s dam construction activities.
“We need the PFR because we want to understand how the dam will affect people, which areas are likely to be submerged and what its overall impact will be. We do not want another Chipko movement or Tehri Dam movement. Unfortunately, we are already on the back foot because of the agitation,” Ering said.
While acknowledging the public’s right to peaceful protest, Ering cautioned against violence and the destruction of public property.
“People have every right to engage in peaceful agitation, call strikes or hold dharnas. However, instigating people to destroy government or public property with the intention of looting or theft should not be allowed,” he said.
Ering stated that the administration and police had been strengthened in the region and that central security forces had also arrived. He clarified that the intention was not to harass protesters but expressed concern over the alleged participation of youths from outside the immediate area.
“From what we have come to know, some of the youths participating in the protests are not from the local area. They are from Siang or Upper Siang. The question is, who has misled them into joining the agitation?” he said.
The MLA, who also serves as an adviser to the Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Hydro Power Development, urged the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and other organisations to come forward for discussions to resolve the impasse.
“We have to sit together and find a solution. I would like to request the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and all other organisations to come forward for discussions. Without deliberations and dialogue, how can we move forward? Arguments and counterarguments are inevitable, but we must find a way forward through talks,” he said.
Ering also urged the Union government to initiate discussions with China on a water-sharing treaty, stressing the need to address concerns arising from dam construction and its potential consequences for downstream communities.
The proposed Siang project has triggered concerns among sections of the local population over its possible environmental and social impacts. Ering maintained that a detailed assessment through the PFR and constructive engagement among stakeholders would help clarify the potential consequences and facilitate an informed discussion on the project.
