On Killings of Dam Protesters at Tawang, Arunachal

1st May 2016

SOLIDARITY FOR SUSTAINABLE NORTH EAST
On Killings of Dam Protesters at Tawang, Arunachal

As of 2nd May 2016, we have witnessed the death of two people, including a monk in Tawang due to police firings and several injured during the protest against the arbitrary arrest of Lama Lobsang Gyatso. Gyatso is the Secretary of the Save Mon Region Federation, an organisation which has been campaigning against the destructive development policy particularly building mega-dams in the fragile and eco-sensitive Himalayan region.

His subsequent arrest on 26th April and later on 28th April elucidates the high-handedness of the Arunachal Pradesh Government and the systemic muffling of democratic protests and marginalizing the voices of dissent. We demand an independent inquiry into the deaths of the protestors and a complete review of the pre-feasibility reports of the proposed dams and especially of the large dams proposed in Tawang region, that of the 750 MW Nyamjang Chhu, 600 MW Tawang I, 1800 MW Tawang II, and the Tsa Chhu projects.

We further press for the conservation and protection of the black-necked cranes of the Nyamjang Chhu River, and their natural habitat, which are revered as incarnates of the 6th Dalai Lama and hold special significance for the indigenous Buddhist communities of Mon area. Not only this, these imposed developmental projects will undermine the religious freedom of the marginalized communities. Sacred sites such as the Gomshing pilgrimage site, which is situated at the confluence of Nyamjang Chhu and Tawang Chhu, Gorsam Chorten stupa, Tongsheng and Shangya and many sacred springs will be affected. There is also a reasonable threat to the demographics of the region, as the Monpas are numbered around 49,000 and the influx of migrant labourers for the proposed constructions will create unprecedented and unnecessary tension among the indigenous communities.

In terms of the location of the mega power projects, this precariously placed mega structures would create further anxiety, being placed at the Chinese border, and in the event of hostilities between the two nations, will affect the downstream population too. We press for the scientific review of the construction of large dams in a seismically sensitive environment and fundamental dangerous and risk pertaining such unplanned and hasty projects. We are all, aware of the recent landslide in Tawang region which killed more than 16 individuals. Therefore in the light of climate change and unpredictable natural calamities, it would be wise for the state and the central governments to review these projects.

We further stress the fact that there were clear reports of villagers being turned away during the public hearing held on 8th February 2011 when they tried raising these pressing issues. This in itself is a blatant dismissal of the statutes of Free Prior Informed Consent as laid down in the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We also reiterate the fact that consultations and consent are completely different things.

We are also aware of the fact that the NJC Hydropower, the company responsible for building the Nyamjang Chhu project has failed to cooperate with the researchers while conducting the cumulative impact assessment. The company has also been concealing the fact that black-necked cranes winter at the proposed barrage site. It is highly unfortunate that the team investigating the impacts of these dams, have not addressed the issues of the indigenous communities and not extended the courtesy of meeting them.

It is indeed alarming that Lama Lobsang Gyatso who had long been campaigning against the imposed developmental projects had also received death threats from one of the local leaders, Lobsang Youten. Such threats to an indigenous peoples’ rights defender is a shameful embarrassment for the world’s largest democracy.

Furthermore, we condemn the grotesque killing of peaceful protestors who were unarmed and defenseless. The police did not use tear gas or rubber bullets or even warn the protestors. This gross violation of human rights is not only shocking, but also deeply disturbing.

As members of Solidarity for Sustainable North East with members across the region, while condemning the incident would urge the government of Arunachal to take firm action against those responsible for the deaths and injured and at the same time to review the dams which are being planned in Tawang.

Ram Wangkheirakpam
On behalf of Solidarity for Sustainable North East