By Matters India Reporter
ITANAGAR, October 29, 2026: The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to initiate peaceful dialogue concerning the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in the Siang region.
In an October 25 letter, ACF President James Techi Tara expressed deep concern over prevailing tensions and appealed for a consultative approach regarding development, indigenous rights, and agricultural livelihoods.
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a planned 11,200 MW mega-dam project in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, designed to serve as the country’s largest hydroelectric and water-storage facility
The ecumenical organization called on the government to engage with the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and stakeholders to prevent further escalation.
The ACF formally offered its good offices to mediate preliminary peace talks, emphasizing that its role would be strictly limited to facilitating communication rather than advocating for or against the project.
The forum requested the chief minister to nominate a representative to coordinate an initial meeting, noting that substantive decisions would remain with competent authorities.
“Peace must precede progress, dialogue must replace confrontation and mutual understanding must guide the resolution of public concerns,” the forum stated, highlighting the welfare of the Adi community. The ACF stands ready to assist in fostering social harmony and unity across the state.