West Karbi Anglong: Thousands of bamboo farmers and residents from the Amri, Chingthong, and Duar Amla constituencies gathered at Rongmanpi Aklam in Ulukunchi to protest against a newly issued bamboo tender order by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Revenue Department. The order, which imposes additional taxes on bamboo cultivation, has sparked widespread resentment among local growers who rely heavily on bamboo as their primary source of livelihood.
The protest was organised under the banner of the Karbi Anglong Bamboo Farmers’ Association, which has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the tender order. Farmers described the directive as unjust and warned that the increased financial burden would severely impact rural households.
Participants highlighted that many families in the region depend entirely on bamboo farming for income, using the earnings to sustain basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education. They argued that the newly imposed tax structure would leave small-scale farmers struggling to support their families, forcing many to abandon the trade altogether.
Protesters have called for:
• Cancellation of the bamboo tender order
• Revocation of contractor appointments
• Removal of temporary contractor camps from affected areas
They cautioned that failure to address their demands could escalate tensions between farmers and contractors, stating that the KAAC would be held responsible for any resulting conflict.
Farmers urged the council to reconsider the policy and focus on protecting the fragile rural economy of West Karbi Anglong, where bamboo cultivation remains a cornerstone of local livelihoods.
