Assam: Outrage in Margherita as Northeast Coalfields evicts local shop without notice

Margherita: Residents and local organisations in Margherita have expressed outrage after Northeast Coalfields Coal India Limited (CIL) allegedly evicted a longtime local shop without any prior notice. 

The shop, run by youth Mintu Kakoty near the Central Hospital of Northeastern Coalfields, has been a source of livelihood for him for years.

According to reports, the eviction took place early on Saturday morning, with no prior warning, notice, or telephonic communication provided to Kakoty. The move comes after the shop faced repeated inconveniences due to the high-handed actions of K. Mere, General Manager of Northeast Coalfields CIL in Margherita, who reportedly blocked pathways used by visitors to the hospital.

Several shops operate around the Central Hospital, but Kakoty’s establishment, which was originally set up by his father 50 years ago in Ward No. 8 under Margherita Municipality, was specifically targeted. The eviction has sparked criticism from local residents and community organisations, who condemned the abrupt demolition of a shop with such deep-rooted local significance.

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Residents also raised concerns over the General Manager’s silence on larger issues, including the transportation of coal from legitimate mines of Northeast Coalfields, questioning why local livelihoods face disruption while bigger operations continue unimpeded.

Kakoty has informed the media that he is preparing to file a formal complaint against Northeast Coalfields CIL at the Margherita Police Station. Efforts by this correspondent to contact officials of NEC CIL Margherita for a comment went unanswered.

The incident has triggered widespread discussion about the rights of local businesses and accountability of public sector undertakings in the region.