Assam: Sema Naga community protests against dumping of coal in historical Saliki village

Saliki village in the historical Patkai hills of the Tirap Tribal belt has become the epicenter of a protest led by the Sema Naga community against the establishment of a coal dumping ground. Located within the 83 no. Margherita Constituency of Tinsukia district, Saliki village has witnessed a groundswell of resistance against the plans of Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd. Margherita.

Over the weekend, a delegation from the All Assam Sema Naga Council made a visit to Saliki village, where more than 50 members of the Sema Naga community reside. Hutoi Sema, the General Secretary of the Council lamented the lack of consultation with the villagers before the unilateral decision to set up a coal dumping ground was made by Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd. Margherita.

"It is very unfortunate and painful," expressed Hutoi Sema, "that Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd. Margherita has forcefully initiated the setup of a coal dumping ground without seeking the consent of the people of Saliki village. This reckless action threatens to irreversibly damage the biodiversity of our cherished surroundings."

Drawing attention to the livelihoods at stake, Hutoi Sema highlighted the agricultural practices of the villagers, including Jhum cultivation and tea plantation.

"We demand the immediate removal of the coal dumping ground from Saliki Village," asserted Hekiya Sema, the village pradhan. Addressing the Margherita Subdivisional Officer (Civil) and the General Manager of NEC CIL Margherita, Hekiya Sema reiterated the community's plea for the preservation of their way of life and the safeguarding of their environment.