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. I have maintained from day one that you can protest; however, protesting has its limits, and it is within those boundaries that we must exercise our democratic rights. Declaring a bandh is not a solution.”
The situation changed after the shutdown ended, with incidents of vandalism, arson and looting continuing until around 3.30 am on Saturday, he said.
Condemning the violence, Khandu said, “In a democracy, everyone has rights.
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.
