The Youth Wing of the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFFYW) has voiced strong opposition to the CBI’s decision to register a case against environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak, calling the move an attempt to intimidate those opposing major hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh.
Tatak, a leading figure in protests against the proposed 12,500-MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and the 2,880-MW Dibang Hydropower Project, is facing allegations of receiving foreign funds in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the forum alleged that the case was intended to undermine public unity and weaken the ongoing movement to protect indigenous lands and rivers.
According to SIFFYW, the action appears to be aimed at creating distrust among members of the organization and discouraging community participation in the campaign against the proposed projects.
The youth wing described Tatak as a key force behind the movement, highlighting her role as a legal adviser and community leader who has consistently worked to represent the concerns of indigenous communities.
The statement praised her efforts in mobilizing local residents, providing legal guidance to the forum, and raising awareness about the potential impacts of large-scale hydropower developments on the Siang and Dibang river regions.
Referring to Tatak as a fearless advocate for indigenous rights, the forum said she has continuously spoken out on issues concerning land, identity, culture and the future of local communities.
The organization further argued that instead of addressing the concerns raised by affected residents, authorities had chosen to initiate legal action against one of the movement’s prominent voices.
Expressing solidarity with Tatak, the forum asserted that residents of Siang and Upper Siang districts remain firmly behind her and would not allow efforts to isolate or silence her to succeed.
SIFFYW reiterated its full support for the activist and demanded an end to what it described as harassment of community leaders involved in the movement.
The development comes amid continuing opposition from several local organizations and civil society groups to the proposed hydropower projects, which remain a subject of debate due to their potential environmental and social impact on the region.
