Journalist bodies in Arunachal Pradesh have raised concerns over reports that social media videos, posts and other journalistic content related to the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project have been restricted or made inaccessible in India.
The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) said several journalists had reported either losing access to content concerning the Upper Siang Hydropower Project or facing restrictions on their social media accounts.
In a joint statement on Monday, the two organisations expressed “serious alarm” and demanded the immediate restoration of legitimate journalistic material that had allegedly been restricted solely because it covered the project.
They also sought a clear explanation from the authorities for every restriction imposed on journalists or news organisations, stressing that the media's responsibility is to document all sides of an issue fairly and without fear.
“Journalism cannot be treated as an inconvenience merely because reports from the ground are uncomfortable, critical or contrary to an official narrative,” the bodies said.
Journalist bodies seek legal basis for restrictions
The APC and APUWJ said the Upper Siang project was a matter of immense public importance because it involves questions surrounding development, the environment, displacement, indigenous rights, national interest and the future of communities living along the Siang.
They said restrictions on reporting were particularly concerning at a time when the project has become the subject of intense public debate, protests and discussions between the government and affected communities.
“Restricting legitimate journalistic reports risks denying citizens information essential for informed public discourse,” the statement said.
The two organisations demanded that if any authority had asked social media platforms to block or restrict news reports, videos, accounts or other journalistic material concerning the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, the government should disclose the legal basis, authority and specific grounds for such action.
They specifically asked the authorities to clarify whether directions had been issued to social media platforms to restrict SUMP-related reports or content.
The bodies reiterated their demand for the immediate restoration of legitimate journalistic content restricted solely because of its coverage of the Upper Siang project, along with an explanation for restrictions imposed on journalists and news organisations.
Project has triggered sustained protests
The dispute over media access comes amid escalating opposition to the proposed project in the Siang region.
Protesters have demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing pre-feasibility report activities and survey work for the project, which is proposed on the Siang River. They have also called for the withdrawal of security forces deployed in areas expected to be affected.
The protests have intensified in recent weeks. On September 30, demonstrations over the project and the deployment of central paramilitary forces for survey work turned violent, with roads blocked, clashes reported with security personnel, government vehicles damaged and the residence of local MLA Alo Libang allegedly vandalised. Chief Minister Pema Khandu also cut short his visit to the area amid the unrest.
The project has faced opposition for years, particularly from sections of the indigenous Adi community, amid concerns about displacement, livelihoods, land, cultural heritage and the environmental consequences of a mega dam.
Earlier, security forces had been deployed in areas including Beging, Geku, Yingkiong and Boleng to facilitate activities connected with the project's pre-feasibility report. Police said the deployment was intended to maintain law and order and protect equipment and survey activities.
Government says project will strengthen energy security
The government, however, has maintained that the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project would promote economic and social development, create employment and self-employment opportunities for young people and strengthen water and energy security for both Arunachal Pradesh and the country.
The project has also been presented by the Centre and the state government as strategically important because of China's major hydropower plans upstream on the Yarlung Tsangpo, which becomes the Brahmaputra after entering India. The proposed SUMP is intended to generate renewable energy while addressing wider development and water-management concerns.
The project's proposed capacity has been described in official and public discussions as ranging from about 11,000 MW to 12,500 MW.
Debate over project and indigenous rights continues
The confrontation has increasingly involved questions beyond power generation, with rights groups and indigenous organisations calling for meaningful consultation with communities that could be affected.
The Human Rights of Arunachal recently said development must respect the rights, dignity, land, culture, environment and security of affected communities, arguing that projects of this scale should not proceed without transparent information, meaningful consultation and proper assessment of their consequences.
In September, the Siang region again witnessed tensions over pre-feasibility report activities, with restrictions on gatherings imposed in parts of the area as the government sought to proceed with studies amid continued resistance.
Against this backdrop, the APC and APUWJ said journalists must be able to report on the project without restrictions merely because their coverage is critical or uncomfortable for the authorities.
They reiterated that citizens need access to competing accounts and ground reports to participate meaningfully in the debate over a project that could have far-reaching consequences for the Siang valley and its communities.