He also invited organisations opposing the project to sit across the table with the government. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday condemned the violence that broke out in Pasighat after a 12-hour shutdown against the proposed 11,200-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), saying protests must not cross legal boundaries.
At a press conference in Itanagar, Khandu said the shutdown had remained largely peaceful during the day on Friday in Pasighat, Siang and Upper Siang districts. The residences of local MLA Oken Tayeng, senior legislator Ninong Ering and state BJP president Kaling Moyong were also reportedly ransacked. The situation changed after the shutdown ended, with incidents of vandalism, arson and looting continuing until around 3.30 am on Saturday, he said.
The Chief Minister used the press conference to renew his invitation to organisations and community representatives opposed to the Siang project, saying the government was ready to hear their concerns. “The government’s door is permanently open.
Any organisation or association that wishes to come forward and discuss the project is most welcome,” Khandu said. He said the government had sent invitations for meetings on the project, but the organisations concerned had not attended.
