The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) has reiterated its demands to the state government, which were initially submitted to the chief minister in a three-point memorandum. The forum is seeking an immediate investigation into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of over Rs 121 crore in the Dari to Chambang road project, the scrapping of the prepaid electricity meter system with free electricity for domestic consumers, and the de-reservation and rationalisation of forest land in the capital region. No concrete assurance has been provided by the government despite the expiry of the 14-day ultimatum. The UAPF has warned that if its demands remain unaddressed, it will launch a democratic movement. An independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities in the construction of the Dari to Chambang road is being demanded.
UAPF president Khyoda Daniel alleged that the same stretch of road had received repeated sanctions from both the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Government of India, resulting in overlapping projects worth more than Rs 121 crore. Daniel also questioned the transparency of the tender process, citing that M/s BM Enterprise, which belongs to the brother of minister Balo Raja, was involved in the project. The UAPF has also demanded the immediate scrapping of the prepaid electricity meter system. UAPF finance secretary Tarh Gambo argued that despite Arunachal Pradesh having an estimated hydropower generation potential of around 50,000-57,000 mw, domestic consumers continue to pay electricity charges ranging from Rs 4 to Rs 7 per unit.
Gambo demanded free electricity up to 1,000 units per household and questioned the functioning of the Information Technology (IT) Cell under the Department of Power. The forum has also called for the de-reservation and rationalisation of forest boundaries within the capital region and adjoining areas. Gambo urged the government to expedite the de-reservation process and simplify land allotment procedures to ensure that ordinary citizens can obtain legal ownership documents and access government welfare schemes. The UAPF has invited media organisations to independently verify the project’s condition and has appealed to the public to support the campaign against the prepaid meter system.
