Urgent Crackdown in Arunachal Pradesh: District Administration Issues Stern Notices to Employees and Gaon Burahs for Anti-Dam Protests – Northeast News Exclusive
Upper Siang District Administration Issues Notices Over Anti-Dam Protest
ITANAGAR: The Upper Siang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has issued notices to several government employees and village heads for their alleged involvement in protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and their support for the anti-dam movement.
Deputy Commissioner Hage Lailang, earlier this week, demanded explanations from the implicated individuals regarding their alleged insubordination and misconduct, actions that could result in disciplinary measures under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. These rules prohibit government employees from striking or publicly criticizing government policies.
On August 31, various anti-dam organizations staged a protest rally in Dite Dime, Siang district, opposing the SUMP, a significant hydropower project planned by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). "The district administration served notices to numerous government employees and gaon burahs for their participation in the protest against the project," Lailang confirmed to a news agency, without revealing the exact number of notices due to confidentiality.
The proposed dam has faced intense opposition from local communities, who argue that it will displace indigenous people, cause environmental degradation, and infringe upon their rights. To curb the dissent, on August 30, the administrations of both Upper Siang and Siang districts had directed government officials and gaon burahs to refrain from participating in any demonstrations, strikes, or activities opposing government policies.
The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), which is spearheading the anti-dam campaign, has openly criticized the administration’s decision to target employees with notices for their involvement in the protest activities.
The controversy surrounding the SUMP highlights a significant conflict between development initiatives and indigenous rights, raising important questions about environmental sustainability and social justice in Arunachal Pradesh.
Original Story https://nenews.in/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-pradesh-district-administration-serves-notices-on-employees-gaon-burahs-for-anti-dam-protest/13714/
Category : Arunachal Pradesh,Anti-dam protest,National Hydroelectric Power Corporation
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