Assam Government's Laika-Dodhia rehabilitation plan opposed

A CORRESPONDENT

JAGUN: In a press meet held in Paharpur village under Lekhapani police station on Wednesday, various organizations of Tirap-Jagun regional area under Margherita subdivision strongly opposed the proposal of the State Government prepared by the forest department to rehabilitate 5,500 forest villagers of Dibru-Saikhuwa National Park, namely Laika and Dodhia villages, in the reserve forest of Digboi and Jagun area of Namphai and Paharpur.

All the unions, namely All Assam Tangsa Students' Union (AATSU), Paharpur Sema Students' Union (PPSU), All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU), Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam (TAYPA), Naga National Council (NNC), and Sonowal Kachari Students' Union (SKSU) strongly opposed the decision and requested the State Government to withdraw the plan as it would create huge clash and violence in future.

TAYPA leader of Margherita subdivision, Jana Handique said, "It is the failure of our ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that we are fighting amongst each other. The State Government's decision of rehabilitation in our area will force us to come out on the streets to protest because we need to save our land and Patkai reserve forest for our next generation."

Supporting the press meet, villagers of Paharpur, Lalpahar, Lakla, Jagun, Kumchai, Kamba and Faneng opposed the State Government's decision by holding banners and posters all around the venue.

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