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AJYCP protests against Lower Subansiri hydropower project

By Keshoba Krishna Chatradhara |

Gogamukh, Dhemaji: A large police force arrested AJYCP activists, including President Rana Pratap Baruah, General Secretary Palash Changmai, AGS Ratul Borgohin, on Tuesday evening around 7 pm at Gogamukh.

The AJYCP has started an indefinite blockade against the Lower Subansiri Hydropower Project on Tuesday morning.

The AJYCP is one of the major organizations protesting the big dam over the past decade.

They ask to implement the decision taken in the discussion on Lower Subansiri held on December 12, 2014, in Delhi. The discussion in Delhi was chaired by the then Minister of Power, coordinated by Swarbananda Sonowal decided not to start construction work before finding any solution. Additionally, a project oversight committee was established to oversee the project. But the NHPC has continued the construction work since last year.

"Arrest is not a solution; we will continue the protest until and unless any solution arises, we want cooperation from the government," Palash Changmai said during their forcible arrest.

According to sources, the local administration is under pressure as the Assam cabinet meeting is going to be held in the district. The member of the Assam Cabinet may use the NHPC Guest House for this purpose.

The MP and current Education Minister, Dr Ronoj Pegu from the district, led the anti-dam movement earlier, which has not been seen in a few years. Even the current Home Minister Rajnath Singh protested the Subansiri to strengthen the BJP before they came to power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke out against the big dam during his electoral campaign in Pashighat, Arunachal Pradesh, in 2014.

Because of public demands, the protesters were released after one hour of police custody.

Local people are calling on all organizations to make an intelligent decision to stand up for downstream communities. In addition, call on all political leaders to solve the tension as soon as possible.

Author info

Keshoba Krishna Chatradhara's picture

Keshoba Krishna Chatradhara is an eminent river activist and social researchers looks after the rivers and dams in northeast from last seventeen years. He can be reached at kkchatradhara@gmail.com.

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