Boko, Dec 5: Villagers in the Chaygaon revenue circle of Assam’s Kamrup district have raised serious allegations against the forest department for destroying areca nut plantations on leased land without prior notice. The issue came to light during a protest meeting held in Nogodonga village on Wednesday, jointly organized by the Garo National Council (GNC), Garo Women Council (GWC), and Garo Youth Council (GYC).

The meeting was attended by over 500 people from various Garo-inhabited villages, including Kinangaon, Larubama, Hangkumari, Santipur, and Ukium, among others.

According to GNC President Enindra Marak, the forest department team arrived in Nogodonga on November 28 and cut down nearly 1,000 immature areca nut trees in a garden, along with orange plantations. Marak alleged that this action was taken without serving any notice or consulting the affected villagers. The disputed land reportedly falls under leased plots numbered 23, 29, and 30 within the Chaygaon Revenue Circle.

Villagers expressed anger and frustration during the meeting, claiming that the forest department has consistently targeted Garo-dominated areas under the pretext of reserve forest encroachments. Ronindra A. Sangma of Majhata village claimed that the forest department never takes similar actions in Rabha, Boro, or other community-inhabited villages within the forested areas.

Residents also alleged that this was not an isolated incident. They recalled similar actions by the forest department in Hakumari and Larubama villages, where areca nut plantations and homes were destroyed.

Bamunigaon Range Officer Aminul Islam, when questioned, stated that the land falls within the Bogai Reserve Forest area. The action was carried out following orders from West Kamrup Forest Divisional Officer Subodh Talukdar to remove plantations encroaching on reserve forest land.

Villagers expressed their anguish, with several breaking down during the meeting. Many had taken loans to establish their plantations, only to lose everything in the department’s actions.

During the protest, the villagers decided to demand a copy of the order that directed the destruction of their plantations. They also resolved to file a case in the Gauhati High Court against the forest department.

Additionally, the community warned that any future actions by the forest department in Garo-inhabited areas must be accompanied by proper documentation, including approval from the revenue circle officer and police.

Read: 14th North East Riders Meet in Tura from Dec 5-7, to focus on beauty & hospitality of Garo Hills

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