Dibrugarh: Hundreds of residents from six Tinsukia villages protested at Jagun on Tuesday against the proposed resettlement of 334 Laika families near Phaneng-Kenia.The demonstration, organised by the Greater Phaneng-Kenia Balijan Land Protection Committee, drew large numbers of men and women from affected villages, who fear the move will alter the region’s demographic and economic balance.Carrying placards and shouting slogans, protesters marched from their villages to the National Highway, before assembling at Patkai Gate in Jagun, briefly disrupting movement.“This land belongs to the indigenous communities of Phaneng-Kenia, and settling outsiders here will threaten our existence. We are not against helping displaced people. But rehabilitation must not come at the cost of another community’s rights,” a committee spokesperson said.The protesters demanded that the state govt withdraw the proposal and consult local stakeholders before taking further steps. They warned of a larger agitation if the govt failed to respond.The plan concerns 334 families displaced from Laika forest village in the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park area. Assam govt has identified a site near Phaneng-Kenia in Tirap Reserve Forest for their resettlement, but residents have resisted the move.
Hundreds of residents from six Tinsukia villages took part in the protest
