A delegation made up of representatives from the Karbi Students’ and Youth Council (KSYC), Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU–Delhi), IPTKA, ASDC (S), and several allied tribal organizations submitted a petition to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in New Delhi, addressing widespread illegal encroachment on protected lands in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. The memorandum was handed over to NCST Member Nirupam Chakma at Lok Nayak Bhawan, raising serious concerns about encroachments on Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs), Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs), government land, and forest areas by non-tribal settlers. This encroachment is seen as a violation of the 6th Schedule and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.
The organizations emphasized that the PGR in Kheroni and the VGR in Howraghat are vital for the livelihoods and cultural practices of the indigenous Karbi and Dimasa communities, yet these areas have been unlawfully occupied by outsiders. They alleged that despite constitutional protections, widespread illegal immigration has significantly altered the demographic landscape, resulting in the political capture of several constituencies under the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
The petition specifically named three elected officials-Pawan Kumar Rai, Bhimkan Chauhan, and Ajit Dey-alleging they are immigrants who secured political positions through mass voter registration of illegal settlers. Citing data from the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the delegation claimed that nearly 150,000 illegal immigrants currently reside in Karbi Anglong district.
In addition, the organizations reported violence against indigenous populations, including assaults that occurred on February 15, 2024. They criticized local authorities for failing to protect tribal communities or take action against illegal settlers. The memorandum warned that ongoing encroachment and demographic changes threaten the survival of indigenous groups in their ancestral territories.
The petitioners called on the NCST to order immediate eviction from the protected lands, safeguard the rights of the Karbi and Dimasa tribes, prevent demographic manipulation, and initiate an inquiry into alleged electoral irregularities. They submitted maps, land status reports, and documentation of the encroachments to bolster their claims.
In response, the NCST has decided to conduct an on-ground inspection in Karbi Anglong and will form a committee to investigate the issues raised by the tribal organizations.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/karbi-anglong-groups-petition-ncst-over-illegal-encroachment-commission-to-conduct-inspection-1306918-2025-11-21?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-11-21 16:38:00
