Jagun, May 6: Several public bodies and ethnic organisations in Upper Assam’s Jagun have voiced strong opposition to the proposed rehabilitation of Laika residents in the Tirap Reserved Forest, warning of intensified democratic protests if the plan proceeds.
At a press meet held at Phaneng No. 1, representatives of multiple organisations, along with local residents from the Tirap–Jagun region, expressed concern over the reported move to resettle displaced families within the forest zone. Participants said the region has already absorbed the impact of previous rehabilitation efforts and cannot sustain further pressure on its ecological and social balance.
Speakers at the meeting alleged that the proposal would result in the destruction of a century-old reserved forest and urged the government to reconsider any plan that compromises environmentally sensitive areas. They cautioned that rehabilitation at the cost of protected forests would face strong public resistance.
At the same time, the organisations clarified that they are not opposed to the rehabilitation of Laika residents, but object to the proposed location. They suggested that the government should utilise land already reclaimed from encroachers in other parts of Assam to resettle displaced and flood-affected families.
Questioning the rationale behind the move, the groups pointed to the availability of such recovered land, arguing that forest areas should not be diverted when alternative options exist. They warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to a mass democratic movement against the decision.
