Students’ body slams govt inaction on Siang charter of demands

Itanagar: The Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) on Thursday expressed strong condemnation of the state govt’s inaction on its four-point charter of demands, warning of a democratic movement if its ultimatum is not met within seven days.

The union said it will hold the govt accountable for any consequences which may arise from such a protest.

In a memorandum submitted on Aug 25, the AdiSU had demanded immediate withdrawal of unauthorised paramilitary personnel stationed in Siang and Upper Siang districts, claiming that their presence had created panic and was an “inhuman treatment” for the locals.

They had also demanded eviction of illegal encroachments from govt school premises across Boleng, Pangin, Kaying and Pessing, arguing that these encroachments undermined educational infrastructure.

Revocation of the suspension order against Gaon Buras (village chiefs) issued by the Siang deputy commissioner and a complete halt to all Public Hearing and Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) until genuine consultation is held with all 31 affected villages, too, featured in their memorandum.

The union has accused the Siang deputy commissioner of triggering public resentment through arbitrary actions, particularly concerning the SUMP. The AdiSU reiterated its stance that development projects must be implemented with the genuine cooperation of local communities.

The growing public frustration was further underscored by a separate incident in Upper Siang district. A meeting called by the district administration on Thursday to identify land for a new Geku township — one of the project-affected sites — was completely boycotted by the public.