Demand for Investigation into Land Allotment Near Kaziranga National Park
Concerns Raised Over Land Allocation
Site for proposed luxury hotel at Inlay Pathar (Photo: AIPNEE)
Dibrugarh, June 23: The Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged land allocation in Inle Pathar and Hatikhuli, areas adjacent to Kaziranga National Park. The union praised Geeta Gowala from Rangajan Tea Estate for voicing her concerns regarding this matter.
ACMS claims that the local inhabitants of Inle Pathar and Hatikhuli have been farming the land for generations, relying on it for their livelihoods. However, it has been reported that this land was reclassified and given to a hospitality firm without any consultation with the long-term residents and farmers.
Raju Sahu, a former MLA and ACMS branch secretary from Panitola, raised questions about the legality of the land's reclassification and allocation, emphasizing the need for a proper evaluation of the project's effects on the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga area and its surroundings.
He also sought clarification on reports suggesting that Geeta Gowala was to receive Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, questioning the circumstances and purpose behind this assistance.
Sahu mentioned that representatives from the Adivasi Chah Mazdoor Congress and other organizations recently visited the contested site for a ground assessment.
He asserted that local residents have been protesting against the land allocation for the last four to five years while continuing to pay land taxes.
Many families possess raiyati records and periodic pattas, and they have pledged to resist any eviction attempts from their land.
Sahu recalled that in a previous dispute phase, former leaders of the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA), including Dhiraj Gowala, had discussions with the government but withdrew when their demands were not met.
He also alleged that the current ATTSA president, Jagadish Boraik, faced police action during protests related to this issue.
Demanding urgent action, Sahu called for a high-level inquiry into the land allocation process and urged the government to issue land pattas to affected Adivasi tea tribe families and other long-term residents who have cultivated the land for decades.