Guwahati, Oct. 3 -- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has emphasised the need for public consultation and consensus on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), saying major development projects cannot move forward in a democracy without the support of local communities.

Amid continuing concerns over the project, Khandu said the state government was willing to engage with organisations and departments from the Siang region to address their concerns.

He said he had personally invited the Siang Indigenous Farmers' Forum (SIFF), which has opposed the project, for a discussion scheduled on October 5.

"We can sit and discuss everything, what are your complaints, what are your problems and how can we address them," Kha...