HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Aug 14: Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti protested against the forced eviction of a coal dumping ground by NEC CIL Margherita at Jharna Basti and China Basti, Ledo, under the 83rd Margherita constituency of Tinsukia district.
A delegation led by general secretary Rahul Chetry, along with residents of Jharna Basti, visited the area on Wednesday.
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Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd (NEC CIL) Margherita has issued notices to over 700 families to vacate the area within 15 days to make way for a coal dumping ground.
Rahul Chetry expressed that it is unfortunate for more than 700 permanent residents, with a population of over 5,000, to be forced to leave their homes within such a short period.
Rahul Chetry questioned why the Margherita sub-divisional administration, after constructing PMAY houses, Jal Jeevan Mission facilities, government drains, and schools, now wants to convert Jharna Basti and China Basti into a coal dumping ground.
A local resident of Jharna Basti stated that a few officers of NEC CIL Margherita came to her house and gave her Rs 2 lakh as compensation for her 25 bighas of tea garden land, which Coal India Limited Margherita had turned into a coal dumping ground. They warned her to vacate her house immediately, threatening to vandalise it with the help of a bulldozer if she did not comply.
Local residents stated that NEC CIL Margherita officials threatened them to vacate, despite having all relevant identification documents.
Rahul Chetry warned that if the decision is not withdrawn, Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti and the residents of Jharna Basti will intensify their protest on August 22.
When this correspondent tried to contact the management of Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd Margherita, there was no response.
