The Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) has demanded an impartial inquiry into a reported meeting between former Adi Baane Kebang (United) president Thomas Borang and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, saying questions around the meeting and its possible link to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) deserve transparent answers. It stressed that the call for an inquiry should not be read as a declaration of guilt.
In a statement issued under its chairman Dr Kipa Kaha, the rights body urged the ABK (U) leadership to set up an independent fact-finding committee to establish the meeting’s purpose, attendees, whether the organisation’s executive members had authorised it, and whether any project-related commitments were made.
What the HRA Wants Examined
The HRA also appealed to law-enforcement authorities to examine the evidence and decide whether the matter warrants criminal proceedings, with an FIR only if sufficient grounds are established under the law. It said it had no objection to Borang meeting the Chief Minister in a personal capacity after stepping down, but that any meeting undertaken in an official capacity should follow institutional procedures, including consultation and accountability.
On reports that Borang had resigned on health grounds, the organisation said it did not intend to question his personal health circumstances, but sought clarity on decisions taken during his tenure, calling on both Borang and the current ABK (U) leadership to answer questions raised by members and the public.
Questions for Elected Representatives
The HRA sought clarification on the role of the High-Power Committee associated with SUMP, including that of its chairman, minister Ojin Tasing, wherever relevant to the inquiry. It urged elected representatives — including Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and MLAs Alo Libang, Onit Panyang, Oken Tayeng and Tapi Darang — to publicly clarify their positions and disclose relevant written communications or official records in their possession, subject to applicable laws. While calling for accountability, it cautioned against unsubstantiated conclusions that any representative had compromised constituent interests.
Unity Appeal Amid the Siang Debate
Sections of the Adi community, particularly in Siang and Upper Siang districts, have expressed apprehension about the project’s implications for ancestral land, livelihoods, cultural heritage and the environment, the organisation said, calling for meaningful consultation with affected communities. The demand comes amid a charged debate, from the Adi community’s stand against the proposed Siang dam to rising tensions over dam survey work in the region.
HRA welcomed a social media briefing by senior Adi community member Oyem Dai as healthy democratic discussion and appealed to community groups, elected representatives and citizens to uphold mutual respect, peace and unity — in the spirit of the Chief Minister’s earlier talks with Adi groups on the Siang project.
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