Arunachal Pradesh Protests: Government Employees and Village Heads Served Notices

Several government employees and village heads in Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, have been served notices for participating in protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, a proposed hydropower project. The state government and NHPC face strong opposition from local communities who argue the project will cause displacement and environmental degradation.

Government employees and village heads in Upper Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, have received notices from the district administration for allegedly joining protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and supporting the anti-dam movement.

Deputy Commissioner Hage Lailang issued the notices earlier this week, citing insubordination and misconduct under Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Under these rules, government employees are barred from striking or criticizing government policies.

On August 31, several anti-dam groups protested in Dite Dime, raising concerns that the massive hydropower project by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) would displace indigenous communities and cause environmental degradation. The Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum criticized the administration's move, defending the right of locals to protest against threats to their land, identity, and livelihood.

(With inputs from agencies.)