SIFF has set the release of all detainees and withdrawal of security forces as preconditions for dialogue over the proposed 11,000–12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
Itanagar: The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) has declined the Arunachal Pradesh government’s latest invitation for talks on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), insisting that all detainees be released and security forces withdrawn before any dialogue takes place.
In a letter dated November 3, the Chief Minister’s Office invited SIFF representatives to meet Chief Minister Pema Khandu in Itanagar between November 5 and 7 to discuss issues surrounding the proposed project.
The invitation reiterated Khandu’s willingness to meet the organisation at his office in Niti Vihar on a mutually convenient date. However, SIFF maintained its position that talks cannot proceed until its conditions are met.
The forum had also declined an earlier invitation issued on October 5, while expressing its willingness to engage in discussions at a later stage.
The latest development comes amid escalating protests against pre-feasibility report activities for the proposed mega hydropower project, particularly following violence in Pasighat and police action against young protesters.
With an estimated generation capacity of 11,000 MW to 12,500 MW, the proposed SUMP continues to face opposition from indigenous groups in the Siang region.
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