Assam: Land encroachment in Tirap tribal belt raises concerns among indigenous communities

The issue of land encroachment in the Tirap Tribal Belt has raised serious concerns about the safety and rights of indigenous tribal communities residing in the area. The matter has particularly affected the indigenous people under 83 No. Margherita Constituency in Tinsukia district, prompting calls for urgent intervention.

 

In response to the ongoing land disputes, a press conference was held on Thursday at the Tribal Rest House in Margherita by the Tirap Tribal Autonomous Council Demand Committee (TTACDC) along with affected individuals. The primary agenda was to address the increasing encroachment by outsiders in the Tirap Tribal Belt region.

 

During the press conference, a specific case of land encroachment was highlighted, involving over 32 bighas of land belonging to King Kotha Gam Singpho, a historical figure from Kotha Gam Singpho village. It was alleged that the land had been illegally occupied by one Dipak Chetry and his family members, leading to a direct conflict between the Singpho family and the encroachers.

 

Human rights activist Nang Jitong Shan, who is also the granddaughter of Seng Gam Singpho, Chief of Kotha Gam Singpho village, condemned the illegal occupation of historically significant land. She emphasized that the incident has sparked widespread protests across Margherita and deeply affected the peace-loving indigenous tribal communities who have lived in the Tirap Tribal Belt for centuries.

 

“This is a matter of great concern, as thousands of bighas of tribal land under 83 No. Margherita Constituency have been illegally encroached upon by non-tribal individuals. We urge Assam’s dynamic Chief Minister to intervene and take immediate action to reclaim the encroached land,” stated Nang Jitong Shan.

 

Pallab Shyam Wailung, General Secretary and spokesperson of TTACDC, also voiced his strong discontent over the increasing land encroachments and demanded that authorities take swift action to protect the land rights of indigenous communities.

 

The issue of illegal encroachment in the Tirap Tribal Belt is a growing concern that requires immediate government intervention to prevent further disputes and safeguard the heritage and rights of indigenous people. The affected communities are now awaiting a response from the Assam government to ensure justice and the protection of their ancestral land.