Thousands of people led by the Buddhist monks and nuns descended on the streets of Tawang today demanding scrapping of mega hydro projects and to protest against corrupt dealings in the district.
This was third and the biggest in the series of protests which started in April last year initiated by the members of Save Mon Region Federation and Society for Development of Cultural & Education, Sera Monastic University, Karnataka.
The organisations have received massive support from the people of Tawang and today’s rally which started from the revered Tawang Monastery saw participation of thousands of common people.
The monks who led the rally stated that they have been forced to protest as the voices of the people have been repeatedly ignored by the elected representatives and the administration. The monks are firm in their stand that there is no need for construction of mega power projects when there are smaller projects to fulfill the needs of the people.
The monks threatened self immolation if the views of the people were not heard.
They also reject the claims of the administration that public hearings of the power project have been completed.
“The voice of dissent are never heard in Mon Region instead they are suppressed, oppressed and most often victimized. This is the general scene of Tawang”, read a release from the two organisations.
Power Developers have managed to obtain no objection signed by few contractors and leaders with vested interest.
They further resented that go ahead for major projects were given without seeking the consent of the people.
To authenticate the claims of the government authorities, dealings should be transparent and known to the public, said Geshe Norbu Tashi.
The monks, while justifying their resentment against big projects in the district said that erosion near the famous Tawang Monastery is standing testimony to the devastations caused by deforestation and indiscriminate construction of Hydro Powers and roads. Lama Lobsang Gyatso, General Secretary of SMRF in his speech said that for few crores of rupees, the iconic cultural and religious centre like Tawang Monastery should not be sacrificed.
Tenzin Dakpa, a youth leader while addressing the gathering expressed the fear that influx of outsiders to build power projects will overwhelm the district which is already grappling with the issue.
They further questioned why a hurried meeting was held on 12th February 2012 by the District Administration & the Power Department on development of HydroPower in Tawang District where only select few were invited.
Lama Thupten Phuntsok while questioning the timing and the presence of the selected few including the Tourism Minister Pema Khandu asked why there was a sudden need for conducting a meeting on Hydro power development whereas the officials have kept their dealings with the developers secret for so long.
He further wanted to know when and where public hearings for 15 projects were held and who attended the public hearings.
The monks have further questioned the role of elected representatives of the districts.
The monks also targeted Rev. T G Rimpoche for softening his stand on the hydro power projects where as “ he had objected to construction of Kungba Power House & HydroPower projects on Nyamjngchu river when he was sitting MLA”.
The speakers also objected to “unnecessary concrete constructions around the sacred lakes even though there is no history of flooding and landslide caused by lakes in Tawang”. They alleged it was way to earn easy money.
Even the traditional grazing areas are not being spared, the monks alleged.
The role of the administration also came in for questioning as the speakers alleged that information which otherwise fell under the purview of RTI Act were not disseminated.
The monks also questioned why a follow up action was not being initiated by the elected leaders regarding the gang-rape of a minor school girl.
