Udalguri-Sonitpur, Aug 6: The long-disputed Dhekiajuli Old Age Home and Orphanage reopened on Thursday after its gates were ceremonially unlocked, with both opposing sides agreeing to hand over the institution’s management to the people of Dhekiajuli.
The dispute, which had continued for several months over the ownership and management of the institution, ended after both parties reached a consensus following a series of public meetings and discussions. Vice Chairperson of the Dhekiajuli Municipal Board Tulika Saikia handed over the keys on behalf of Minister Ashok Singhal, while Narayan Bora of the Dhekiajuli Nagarik Mancha inaugurated the unlocking ceremony.
AJYCP Chief Adviser Rana Pratap Baruah said several organisations, including AASU, the Assam Nationalist Youth Students’ Council, the Tea Tribes Students’ Association and the Adivasi Students’ Association, had worked with local residents to resolve the dispute. He said two convenor committees, formed through public meetings, unanimously decided to entrust the institution’s future to the people.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of both sides, leaders of various organisations and local residents, bringing the months-long controversy to a peaceful end.
