Suspected Bangladeshis forcibly encroaching forest land in Barak Valley

SILCHAR: Often the information trickles in from isolated and remote areas of Barak Valley about the encroachment of forest land by suspected Bangladeshis who after infiltration from that side of the border, though under control now by strict vigilance and patrolling of BSF, are always in search of newer and greener pastures. The forest dwellers, genuine Indian citizens, mostly tribals, collect the guts to open out their apprehension to protest against the evil design of the encroachers to upset their socio-economic and demographic structure. They do succeed to drive them out with the help of the administration of the area.

But, they again come back to resettle down by displaying sharp weapons like daos and spears and threaten the original inhabitants to keep their mouths shut. The Sentinel has been posted with such an aggressive design of muscle men by Dimasas of Smith Nagar forest village under Kachudaram police outpost of Sonai in the district of Cachar. According to Ujjal Barman, president of the development committee of the area, the encroachers take the help of some tribe men to further their cause. Barman alleges being remotely located, the forest villages under Moniarkhal forest range at the foot of Bhuvan hills are vulnerable to outsiders.

The encroachers, allege the villagers, are known for their mischief-mongering and trouble makers to scare away the original inhabitants or patta holders and encroach upon the land of others. Earlier also, these encroachers identified by name forcibly occupied their land. On complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Keerthi Jally, these encroachers were evicted. That was in June last. It is these land grabbers again who have now set their eyes in the northern side of the forest village and have even started constructing houses. They have in fresh petition to the Deputy Commissioner urged upon her to initiate tougher measures against the encroachers. Copy of the petition was also submitted to the Superintendent of Police, DFO and others concerned.

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