‘We cannot give an inch of land’: Karbi Students’ Association protests Gaurav Gogoi’s remarks on Kaziranga ESZ

The Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), along with local residents, staged a protest in Bordeka village near Kaziranga National Park on August 21, against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s remarks on the park’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
 

The protest comes amid a continuing debate in Assam over the proposed reduction of the ESZ around Kaziranga from 10 km to 1 km and the political controversy surrounding the issue.
 

The protesters held a meeting in Bordeka village in Karbi Anglong district and later took out a rally towards Kuthori in Kaliabor, raising slogans against Gogoi and demanding protection of the rights and interests of people living around Kaziranga.

One of the protesters said the local communities had been fighting for their rights for a long time and claimed that their ancestors had protected Kaziranga from various threats over the years.

“We have been fighting for this for a long time. Our ancestors have protected Kaziranga from everything. We cannot give even an inch of land where our people are living,” the protester said.

The protester said the Assam government had announced its decision to reduce the ESZ from 10 km to 1 km and urged Gogoi not to politicise the issue.

“We are warning Gaurav Gogoi not to politicise this issue. Instead, he should help the people get their rights,” the protester said.

The protesters warned that their agitation would continue if their demands were not addressed.

“If this does not happen, we will continue our protests. Gaurav Gogoi, Ratan Engti and Mira Borthakur will have to take responsibility,” the protester said.

The ESZ issue has triggered a sharp political exchange between the ruling party and the Opposition following the Supreme Court's directions and the Assam government's announcements regarding the protected area.

The protesters said any decision on the ESZ should take into account the concerns of communities living around Kaziranga and should not affect their rights over the land where they have been residing.

The KSA said it would continue its agitation until the concerns of local residents were addressed.