Hundreds of Koch-Rajbongshi protesters led by AKRASU opposed the proposed allotment of land to APDCL in Kokrajhar, alleging indigenous families face eviction and warning of a larger agitation
Kokrajhar: Hundreds of members of Koch-Rajbongshi organisations and student bodies staged a massive protest at Basalguri near Malgaon in Kokrajhar, opposing the proposed allotment of land to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and alleging that indigenous families face eviction from Greater Shilgara and Malgaon under the Kokrajhar Revenue Circle.
The demonstration, organised jointly by the Kokrajhar District (East) and Dhubri District (East) committees of the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRASU), witnessed large participation despite scorching heat. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding protection of their ancestral land.
Several women participants criticised the Assam and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) governments, declaring they would not surrender their land under any circumstances. Many broke down in tears, saying they feared losing their homes and livelihoods.
AKRASU Kokrajhar District (East) president Khanin Dev Barua accused the Assam and BTC governments of attempting to evict indigenous Koch-Rajbongshi families and warned of a larger agitation if the decision is not withdrawn.
AKRASU Dhubri District (East) president Bitul Kumar Barman alleged that the land was being acquired for a solar power project linked to the Adani Group through APDCL. He urged the government to utilise nearby government-owned khas land instead of displacing indigenous residents.
According to the protesting organisations, around 335 bighas of land in Greater Malgaon, Shilgara and Basalguri were allotted to APDCL in 2005, and the recent land survey has intensified local opposition.
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