In the Tikak Colliery settlement area within the Margherita sub-division of Tinsukia District, lies a poignant reminder of a bygone era — China Basti. Once bustling with the vibrancy of over 50 Chinese families, today it echoes with the whispers of just six remaining households, clinging steadfastly to their roots amidst encroaching modernity.
Jomy Lee, a venerable descendant in her fifties, reminisces about her grandfather Liloi Lee, who ventured from China to toil as a coal miner at the Assam Railways and Trading Company Limited in Margherita. Recounting the rich heritage passed down through generations, she laments the fading echoes of a once-thriving community.
"The year 1920 saw our ancestors arriving under British colonial rule, laboring not only in coal mines but also as artisans in the tea industry," shares Jomy Lee, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "But today, our cultural landmarks like the Chinese school and recreation center have vanished, usurped by encroachment."
The tumult of the 1962 India-China conflict further depleted their numbers, with many Chinese residents becoming prisoners of war, some perishing in Nagaon Central Jail. Yet, amidst adversity, the resilient community persists in honoring its traditions.
"Every 5th of February, we embrace the Chinese New Year with fervor, and in April, we pay homage to our forebears at the Chinese crematorium," explains Jomy Lee. "Our bonds with our ancestors remain unbroken, nurtured by rituals passed down through generations."
Despite the challenges, support from the Assam Government and initiatives by Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd offer a semblance of stability. "We've been provided with essential amenities like PMAY houses, NFSA ration cards, and Arunodoi scheme benefits," acknowledges Jomy Lee. "And efforts like the construction of a boundary wall around the Chinese crematorium signify recognition of our cultural heritage."
Yet, the passage of time brings its own trials. "A few years ago, one of our kin ventured to China, hopeful of reconnecting with our roots," reveals Jomy Lee, her tone tinged with sorrow. "But with his passing, our ties to our homeland grew dimmer, lost in the currents of time."