Dibrugarh, June 23: The Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) has demanded a comprehensive, high-level inquiry into the alleged allocation of land situated on the fringes of the ecologically sensitive Kaziranga National Park. The influential tea workers' union raised serious concerns regarding parcels in Inle Pathar and Hatikhuli, which they claim have been cultivated by local residents for generations.
According to the ACMS, these lands were reportedly reclassified and subsequently allotted to a hospitality company without any prior consultation with the long-standing occupants and cultivators. This move has sparked outrage among the affected communities, who depend on these lands for their livelihood.
Raju Sahu, a former MLA and the ACMS branch secretary for Panitola, publicly questioned the process of land reclassification and allotment. He specifically sought clarification on how such a significant decision could be made without a thorough assessment of its potential environmental impact on the delicate ecosystem surrounding Kaziranga National Park. Sahu also commended Geeta Gowala of Rangajan Tea Estate for bringing these critical issues to the forefront.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Sahu raised queries about reports suggesting that Geeta Gowala was slated to receive Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He demanded transparency, asking for the specific circumstances and purpose behind this proposed financial assistance. Representatives from the Adivasi Chah Mazdoor Congress, along with several other organizations, recently visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand, underscoring the widespread concern over the matter.
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