Illegal encroachment around historic Vishnu temple in Bhuvan Hills

Special Correspondent

Silchar, Jan 12: There have been attempts from time to time to set foot in and around Bhuvan Hills, located on the tri-junction of the border of Cachar with Manipur, Mizoram and Dima Hasao district by miscreants. There was a time when the strategic location of the Bhuvan Hills provided sanctuary to different militant groups of Manipur, Mizoram and Dima Hasao district, besides those of galand. Though the insurgency has been on the wane, attempts at encroachment of the tribal inhabited forested areas have been made. About 7 years back, members belonging to the minority community made desperate bid to raise a holy structure dedicated to Prophet Mohammed.

 This created sensation and on the basis of the complaints of the tribal groups of the area, the district administration of Cachar took prompt action. A posse of police force demolished the structure illegally raised. This did set a note of warning to the unscrupulous elements to keep themselves at a bay or face the consequences. Despite the hills and the tribal settlements being fully protected under Forest Rights Act, 2006, quite recently another illegal encroachment was raised in the vicinity of the holy shrine of ga Vishnu temple. This temple has not only historical but also legendary story for the Hindu gas.

 Every year in the occasion of Magh Purnima (January-February), Rongmei gas of Assam, Manipur and galand perform their ritual ceremony at this Vishnu temple in the Bhuvan Hills. According to Mangal Dahuyon, secretary, ga Vishnu Rakai (temple), Cave and Tirthasthan Development Society, Bhuvan Hills, “Rangmei gas have been visiting this temple from time immemorial to worship at the foot of the God for their peach and happiness.”

 It is most disturbing that some mischievous elements should adopt an attitude to disturb peace and tranquility, the traditiol symbol of the Hills. It was after a prolong struggle, said Gaikhangning Rongmei, president of the Society, that they have been able to acquire 40 bighas of land now in their possession where the temple is located along with the adjoining areas. “The possession of this land is under the recognition of Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditiol Forest Dweller Rights of 2006. It is a matter of grave concern that the encroachers making illegal entry are forcefully constructing a place of worship.”

 In order to establish their rights, they have demarcated the area which falls on the southern side. After assuming power, Sarbanda Sonowal Government has initiated drastic measures against encroachment of khas and tribal inhabited lands. A vast tract of such lands have already been recovered from illegal possessions. It is the declared policy of the state government to free encroached lands and preempt any move by any elements to indulge in such illegal activities. The Rongmei gas under the banner of the Society in a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on last Monday have demanded tough action to deter the unscrupulous elements from any encroachments in the sacred holy Bhuvan Hills.