HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Sept 12: Veer Lachit Sena (VLS), Assam, will not oppose the employment of migrant workers from other parts of the state in Upper Assam, provided they furnish proof of citizenship, said VLS chief secretary Rantu Paniphukan.
According to Paniphukan, this decision comes after migrant workers, locally known as ‘Miya’—who hail from districts in Central and Lower Assam and are employed at construction sites in Upper Assam—returned to their homes last month. This followed calls reportedly made by some groups representing the indigenous people of Upper Assam, urging the workers to leave their work sites.
“In view of the prevailing situation in Upper Assam and to address the threats faced by indigenous people, the organisation is working on a system to ensure developmental work is not hindered,” Paniphukan added.
He further stated that, after discussions with groups of traders, businessmen, and some administration officials from the region, they are developing a plan. Under this plan, contractors who bring and supply migrant workers to employers (such as construction firm owners and builders) will prepare lists of workers who possess valid documentation proving their Indian citizenship. These lists will first be submitted to Veer Lachit Sena, Assam.
“After examining the lists, Veer Lachit Sena will submit them to the district administrations, who will then forward the information to the respective revenue circle offices where the workers will be stationed for work,” Paniphukan continued.
“The organisation will monitor the workers to ensure they don’t move to another work site after completing the project for which they were hired,” he added.
“By following this process, we will be able to track the movement and identity of migrant workers,” he said.
Paniphukan also clarified that while the term ‘Miya’ refers to Muslim workers of East Bengal origin, it does not imply that all of them are illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
He expressed hope that the proposed plan would address the concerns not only of Veer Lachit Sena, Assam, but also of other organisations involved in the social, cultural, and civic activities of Assamese society.
Paniphukan added that if the district administration does not take the initiative in resolving the issue, his organisation would lead efforts to end the impasse by involving local communities.
