NEFIS condemns killing, repression in Tawang
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2016:
Activists of North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) condemning the alleged police repression in Arunachal Pradesh, submitted a memorandum to the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister today through the Resident Commissioner at Arunachal Bhawan in New Delhi.
On May 2, it may be mentioned, two people, namely Monk Nyima Wangdue and Tshering Tenpa, were reportedly killed and many more injured in the police repression which resulted due to their protest against the arrest of Lama Lobsang Gyatso in Tawang.
In a statement, NEFIS said that Lama Lobsang Gyatso has been one of the most vocal opponents of hydropower projects in the Tawang region and secretary of Save Mon Region Federation (SMRF), in the Mon-Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh.
The activists of NEFIS were denied permission to meet the Chief Minister, to get their demands heard regarding this issue.
"The killings are a result of machinations by pro hydro-power lobby to construct dams in an ecologically sensitive region without any regard either for the region or the people protesting against it," it said.
This police firing and brutal repression is due to State administration's connivance with such corporate lobbies, it said.
In this context, it should be especially noted that even as Tawang continues to reel under the shock of police firing, Arunachal Pradesh CM Kalikho Pul at ASSOCHAM forum in New Delhi in a complete insensitive statement has advocated for fast-tracking environmental clearances for hydropower projects and suggested single window clearance to the hydro project developers.
This only shows complete contempt for the suffering of the people and environmental destruction, while simultaneously demonstrating a concern for corporate profiteering, it said.
The State Government continues to remain apathetic to the whole situation, NEFIS said.
NEFIS in the memorandum it submitted to the Resident Commissioner has demanded that the Government must constitute an independent enquiry to investigate the whole incident including role of police officials, local politicians.
They also demanded that the involved police officers along with SP, Divisional Commissioner and others should be immediately suspended and anti-people dam construction should be immediately stopped.
NEFIS strongly condemned this incident of police repression and has resolved to launch a massive movement against anti-people corporate forces and their collusion with State Governments in the North-East.