Guwahati: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF) has formed a high-level committee to facilitate dialogue and restore peace in the Siang region amid tensions over the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.

Announcing the initiative at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar on Wednesday, AITF general secretary Tapi Tai said the committee would assess the situation following recent incidents of violence in Pasighat and Geku and explore ways to resolve the dispute peacefully.

An AITF Peace Committee, comprising representatives from different indigenous communities, will work under the high-level panel to engage with stakeholders and address communication gaps, Tai said.

He stressed that the committee would maintain a neutral and independent approach, with its primary objective being to preserve peace and tranquillity in the Siang region.

AITF opposes heavy security deployment

The forum criticised the state government’s response to the tensions and opposed the heavy deployment of security personnel in Pasighat and adjoining areas.

AITF reiterated its demand for dialogue, saying the government should engage directly with affected families rather than increase the security presence.

The forum said meaningful consultations, mutual understanding and confidence-building measures were necessary to prevent further escalation.

It also appealed to government officials, intellectuals, grassroots institutions, youth organisations and other stakeholders to participate in constructive discussions and help find a peaceful resolution.

Arunachal Christian Forum offers to mediate

Meanwhile, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) has offered to facilitate talks between the state government and the Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) over the proposed project.

In a recent representation to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the ACF expressed concern over the situation and called for timely intervention to address apprehensions, improve communication and prevent further tensions.

The forum noted that the project raised sensitive questions concerning development, indigenous rights, agricultural livelihoods and the future of communities in the Siang region.

It called for a transparent and consultative approach that respects the concerns and aspirations of affected communities.

The ACF said it was willing to initiate preliminary peace talks between the government and SIFF, provided both sides agreed to participate.

Clarifying its position, the forum said the mediation initiative should not be interpreted as support for or opposition to the proposed project. Instead, its role would focus on improving communication, encouraging mutual understanding and creating space for meaningful dialogue.

“Peace must precede progress, dialogue must replace confrontation and mutual understanding must guide the resolution of public concerns,” the forum said.

Siang project faces local opposition

The proposed 11,200-megawatt Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is intended to strengthen India’s energy and water security, help moderate floods and support regional development.

Its strategic significance has also been linked to concerns over possible upstream interventions in the Brahmaputra basin.

However, sections of the local population have opposed the project over its potential social and environmental consequences, including possible impacts on downstream communities. The opposition has triggered protests and incidents of violence in the region.

The latest peace initiatives by the AITF and ACF come amid calls for dialogue to address local concerns and prevent further escalation over the proposed mega dam.