Itanagar, Feb 4: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes' Forum (AITF), a collective of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh, has constituted a Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) to examine various aspects of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), including core issues of protest, future ramifications, and related concerns.

According to a recent notification issued by AITF president Dr Bengia Tolum, the committee comprises members of social standing and repute.

AITF’s vice-president (East) Getom Borang has been appointed as the chairman, while his west counterpart Gomar Basar will serve as the vice chairman.

Other members include Tanii Supun Dukun (TSD) general secretary Taku Chatung, Tai Khamti Development Society (TKDS) president C S Choutang, Tagin Cultural Society (TCS) general secretary Tuter Dulom and Sajolang Elite Society (SEC) president Johny Miji.

AITF assistant general secretary Dr Bengia Tada is also part of the committee, with the forum’s general secretary Tapi Tai serving as the secretary.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the committee include a detailed investigation into the SUMP, interaction with various stakeholders, including land-affected groups, senior citizens, intellectuals, local administration, and government agencies.

The committee has also been tasked with conducting a Jan Sunwai (Gram Sabha) to gather public opinions. Additionally, it will assess the potential positive or negative ramifications of the project.

The notification stated that the committee's findings must be submitted within a month.

Speaking to a local media outlet, AITF vice-president Tarh Tabin said that after the submission of the committee's findings, the forum would deliberate and, if deemed necessary, provide suggestions to the government and the public.

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is a proposed hydroelectric venture in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang district, designed to generate 11,000 MW of power.

In addition to electricity production, the project aims to regulate the Siang River’s flow year-round and mitigate flood risks from upstream water releases by China.

However, the initiative has encountered resistance from local communities who fear displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation.