Assam: Laika rehabilitation plan in Paharpur area opposed

TINSUKIA: The proposed rehabilitation of Laika Forest Village under Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Paharpur RF under Lekhapani Range of Digboi Forest Division is likely to sail in troubled water after 7 local organisations strongly opposed any rehabilitation plan in Paharpur area.

In a joint press meet organized by All Assam Sema Students’ Union in collaboration with other student bodies like Tangsa Students’ Union, Pan Sinphoo Students’ Union, All Assam Man Tai Students’ Union, Adivasi Students’ Union, Sonowal Kachari Students’ Union and others at Paharpur under Margherita Sub-Division in Tinsukia district on Friday stated that e-tender flouted by Digboi Forest Division on August 23 was arbitrary and was against the interest of local ethnic communities whose eviction may led to fratricidal clashes even as people of Paharpur area and greater Tirap Mauza comprising of ethnic and Adivasi communities yet to get their miyadi patta from Government of Assam.

The e-Tender flouted by Digboi Forest Division under State Owned Priority Development (SOPD) stipulated completion of Rs 50.40 scheme within 90 days and outlined the works like labelling of Paharpur area, eviction of Paharpur of any encumbrances, erection of boundary wall, dwelling house construction, water supply etc.

The student bodies demanded immediate withdrawal of e-Tender in question or else they threatened to go legal recourse. They have vowed not to allow rehabilitation of Laika people and are ready to face any consequences. Forest Department would be solely responsible for any eventuality. They further added that people of Paharpur had to construct watch camps at river bank of Tipong to prevent mass scale exodus of Laika villagers day and night after the Government announced rehabilitation plans almost 2 years back.

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