ITANAGAR: The district administration of Upper Siang in Arunachal Pradesh has issued notices to several government employees and village heads for allegedly participating in protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and supporting the anti-dam movement.
Earlier this week, the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Siang, Hage Lailang, issued notices to several government employees and village heads demanding an explanation for their alleged insubordination and misconduct, which may lead to disciplinary action under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
Under the CSC Rules, government employees are barred from going on strike or criticising policies of the government.
On August 31, several anti-dam organizations held a protest rally in Dite Dime, Siang district, opposing the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a major hydropower project to be executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
“The district administration has served notices a few days ago to many government employees and gaon burahs for taking part in the protest against the project,” Hage Lailang told a news agency.
However, he declined to disclose the number of notices served on government employees, stating that the information was confidential.
Both the state government and NHPC have been facing strong opposition from local communities over the proposed dam.
The communities claim that the dam would displace indigenous people, cause environmental damage, and severely violate their rights.
Earlier, on August 30, the Upper Siang and Siang district administrations directed government officials and gaon burahs not to take part in any demonstration, strike or activities against government policies and programmes.
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The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF), leading the anti-dam movement, has criticized the administration’s decision to issue notices to employees.
