The Barak Human Rights Protection Committee (BHRPC) of Assam has taken up with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleged police atrocities on members of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) who were intimidated for opposing the Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Power Project in Lakhimpur district. It is reported that the police attacked KMSS activists. About 27 activists were kept in detention and their camp was dismantled by the police and the CRPA. It has also been alleged that Lakhimpur district authorities had deployed 300 police personnel to prevent activists from staging protests. The Human Rights Group has complained that the action is against a Supreme Court ruling.
The Subansiri project presents a thorny problem. The controversy over the construction of a dam has been on since Medha Patkar launched the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The pros and cons of a dam project are evenly matched. The dam will create some environmental hazards and lead to the displacement of local people but the hydel power it will generate is very much in demand in the Northeast which is crippled by acute power shortage undermining infrastructure. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has supported the project. On the other hand, the police and the CRPF are known in the country for their highhandedness. Atrocities against peaceful demonstrations have to be condemned. Progress with restraint is the need of the hour. Besides, rehabilitation of displaced persons is an imperative.