Itanagar: Bosiram Siram, president of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), met with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss critical issues facing the northeastern state. During their meeting, Siram requested the party’s support to amend Article 371(H), oppose the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), and restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
The APCC also submitted a memorandum citing concerns over the “inadequate” constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371(H) of the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act of 1986. Siram highlighted that this provision does not adequately protect tribal customs, land ownership rights, or the interests of indigenous communities regarding natural resource management. He pointed out that neighboring states, like Nagaland and Mizoram, enjoy stronger protections under Articles 371(A) and 371(G), respectively, and urged the Congress leadership to advocate for necessary constitutional amendments.
In expressing alarm over the proposed SUMP, Siram warned Kharge that the mega dam, which would be over 300 meters in height, threatens the ecology, cultural heritage, and demographics of the Siang region. He noted that over 27 villages could be submerged, displacing approximately 150,000 indigenous people and causing permanent environmental damage. Siram also raised concerns about the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces to expedite survey and drilling activities without obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from local communities, likening this to “colonial-style dominance.”
While reaffirming the Congress’ commitment to development, Siram insisted that such initiatives should not jeopardize the lives, livelihoods, or heritage of indigenous populations. “We are not against development; we are against destructive development,” he stated. Furthermore, Siram called for the repeal of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the reinstatement of the OPS, contending that the NPS exposes government employees to market fluctuations and does not ensure sufficient security after retirement.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/arunachal-cong-chief-meets-kharge-seeks-support-on-critical-state-issues/articleshow/123049130.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-08-02 05:04:00
