Pasighat: The Adi Baane Kebang (ABK), the apex body of the Adi tribe, has addressed growing criticism over its apparent silence on the contentious Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). Responding to allegations of being indifferent, ABK President Tanon Tatak affirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting the interests of the Adi community, clarifying its neutral stance on the mega-project for now.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tatak revealed that ABK officials had recently met with leaders from the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIF) on August 2. During this meeting, SIF leaders had asked ABK to visit Geku, one of the villages that would be affected by the dam. Tatak explained that due to the ongoing monsoon and the upcoming Solung festival, an immediate visit was not possible. However, he assured the media that a visit to the affected villages of Geku, Yingkiong, and Riga has been planned for October.
Tatak sternly rejected accusations of being unsupportive of the dam-affected people, stating that the ABK’s position is neither “pro-dam” nor “anti-dam” at this stage. He emphasized that the organization’s sole objective is to work in the best interest of the community. In a direct appeal to the public, Tatak urged people to stop trolling the organization on social media platforms, inviting anyone with concerns to reach out to him directly.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has identified three potential sites for the SUMP in the Upper Siang and Siang districts. These proposed dam locations have already sparked widespread apprehension among local communities, who fear massive displacement, irreversible environmental damage, and the loss of traditional ways of life. While the government promotes the project as a catalyst for regional development, villagers remain resolute in their opposition, arguing that their land, culture, and livelihoods are at stake. As the controversy intensifies, the coming months will prove to be a crucial test for the ABK as it navigates the complex demands of its people and the larger national narrative.
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