Lachit Sena to intensify mass agitation against Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

LAKHIMPUR: Veer Lachit Sena, Assam (VLSA) will initiate intensified, united mass-agitation against Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHP) to demand its closure in order to secure the life and property of the people of North Assam. In this regard, the organization will not bow down to any threat that may pose to silence the agitation.

This was declared by the central committee dignitaries of VLSA at a press conference held in North Lakhimpur Press Club on Friday. Addressing the press conference, VLSA president Kabindra Chetia Phukan, secretary Rantu Paniphukan, organizing secretary Shrinkhal Chaliha, adviser Bogendra Kumar Borgohain came down heavily on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the State regarding SLHP issue, Baghjan oilfield fire in Tinsukia district along with various issues of the State.

"Both governments, led by the BJP, have caused threat to the existence of the Assamese community prioritizing politics only for power. The resources of the State have been exploited continuously and for this purpose, the multinational companies are given warm welcome to the State granting special favour to them. The Baghjan oilfield fire and the collapse of guard walls at Subansiri dam two times within fifteen days, being constructed by NHPC, prove that the future of the Assamese community is not secured under this State Government. Due to the maladministration, inefficiency and irresponsibility of BJP, various crises have caused threat to Assam and Assamese community. Under such circumstances, there is not any alternative way but mass agitation in order to secure the greater interest of the State," said the VSLV president addressing the press conference.

VSLV secretary Rantu Paniphukan said that the proposal of 168 hydroelectric projects to be constructed in Arunachal Pradesh and two more other such projects to be set up in the middle and upper part of the Subansiri River in a view to generating 15,191MW electricity, before resolving the SLHP issue, also had brought threat to the community.

"It is seen that the governments have not initiated any steps to secure the people of the State from the critical situation to be caused by the proposed projects. We observe that the proposal of coal mining in a view to exploit this resource too is another threat to the State. The State Government has not paid any attention to the security of the oil fields. The Government should be ready to face intensified stir unless it initiates any steps to check the crises of the State," he added. In the press conference, the dignitaries of organization demanded the government to compensate the Baghjan oil field fire victims.

"At present, they are spending their days in miserable conditions. Nobody should sponsor vulgar politics regarding their fate. They need no politics at present but need help," said Shrinkhal Chaliha, who claimed to have visited the Baghjan Oilfield site in the wake of the disaster.

Also watch: Morning Bulletin | 12th June 2020