HT Correspondent
BOKAJAN, May 27: In a press conference held on Tuesday at the office of the Asom Jatiyabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), prominent social worker Lob Kumar Teron raised serious concerns over alleged encroachment in the Khatkhati region of Karbi Anglong district by people from neighbouring Nagaland.
He strongly advocated for the timely implementation of the solar power project proposed by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) in Khatkhati, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to the ongoing encroachment.
Related Posts:
Teron, who has long been vocal about safeguarding the interests of local residents in the border areas, said that the Khatkhati area, situated in the Borjan region of Karbi Anglong and sharing its boundary with Nagaland, has been witnessing increasing encroachment from across the border.
According to him, this issue is not only one of territorial concern but also poses a threat to the demographic and social fabric of the region.
He maintained that the APDCL’s solar power project, if established in Khatkhati, could serve as a critical infrastructure project to counter the influence of what he referred to as “encroachers” from Nagaland.
“The solar project is not just a development initiative; it is a protective measure for our land,” he said.
Speaking on the opposition to the project by the Indigenous People’s Party (IPP), Teron was highly critical of the group’s stance.
He claimed that the IPP lacks an understanding of the ground realities in Borjan and has not consulted the local populace.
“IPP, which is opposing the project, knows nothing about Borjan. They haven’t spoken to the residents. In fact, their president is not even from Borjan—he belongs to Langpher,” Teron stated.
He further asserted that both the Lahorijan and Khatkhati areas in Karbi Anglong, located along the Assam-Nagaland border, are being encroached upon, and that any delay in establishing a permanent infrastructure like the solar power plant could worsen the situation.
According to Teron, the resistance to the solar project is part of a deliberate conspiracy by Naga encroachers from across the state border who, he claimed, are attempting to obstruct the project’s implementation.
He warned that this opposition must be viewed through the lens of a larger agenda, which includes the alleged attempt to push for the creation of a so-called “Greater Nagalim” by encroaching into areas within Karbi Anglong.
During the press conference, Teron also pointed to a recent incident in Dudu Colony, where homes belonging to Karbi people were allegedly set on fire by individuals from Nagaland.
He cited this incident as evidence of the rising tension and the urgent need for governmental intervention.
In a strong appeal to the authorities, Teron called upon the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang; Member of Parliament Amar Sing Tisso; and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ensure the immediate commencement of the solar project.
“The government must act now. Starting the APDCL solar project in Khatkhati is not only essential for power generation but is also a necessary step to secure the land and rights of the indigenous people of Karbi Anglong,” Teron urged.
