Itanagar, Two media bodies in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday said several journalists in the state have reported that videos and other content on social media concerning the Upper Siang Hydropower Project have either become inaccessible in India or access to their accounts has been restricted.
Expression “serious alarm”, the Arunachal Press Club Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists in a joint statement demanded immediately restoration of legitimate journalistic content restricted solely in connection with reporting on a project. “Journalism cannot be treated as an inconvenience merely because reports from the ground are uncomfortable, critical or contrary to an official narrative,” said the joint statement. The two journalist bodies said the project is of immense public importance, involving development, environment, displacement, indigenous rights, national interest and the future of communities along the Siang.
However, the government has maintained that the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project would drive economic and social growth, generate employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth, and strengthen water and energy security for the state and the nation.
“At a time when the project is witnessing intense public debate, protests and dialogue between the government and affected communities, restricting legitimate journalistic reports risks denying citizens information essential for informed public discourse,” the statement said. “The government must clarify whether directions have been issued to social media platforms to restrict SUMP-related reports, videos, accounts or other journalistic content,” they said.
