Several tribal organisations from the Tirap Tribal Belt have raised strong objections to the proposed open-cast coal mining project by North Eastern Coalfields (NEC) at Saliki village in Lekhapani, under the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency of Tinsukia district.
Addressing a press conference recently, leaders of various tribal bodies, along with residents of the historically significant Saliki village, alleged that NEC, Margherita— a unit of Coal India Limited—has been moving ahead with preparations for open-cast mining without conducting proper consultations with the affected local population. They claimed that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was reportedly secured during a meeting of the Tirap Colliery Gaon Panchayat without the knowledge or informed approval of Saliki villagers.
The organisations termed the process arbitrary and detrimental to the interests of indigenous communities living in the area. Nayung Mossang, president of the All Assam Tangsa Students’ Union, highlighted the historical background of the region, stating that the Tirap Frontier Tract was established in 1943 during the British era with its headquarters at Margherita to protect indigenous communities such as the Singpho, Tangsa, Sema Naga, and Tai-speaking groups including Tai Phake and Tai Khamti.
Mossang further noted that after Independence, the Government of Assam officially declared the area as the Tirap Tribal Belt through a notification dated March 13, 1951, with the aim of safeguarding the land, culture, and rights of tribal people. He added that the region was earlier part of the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) before administrative reorganisation.
Accusing NEC authorities of attempting to convert Saliki village into a coal dumping zone, Mossang warned that such activities could cause severe damage to local biodiversity and wipe out the village’s historical and cultural identity.
The tribal organisations have jointly demanded clear boundary demarcation, adherence to safety norms, adoption of scientific and eco-friendly mining practices, proper rehabilitation and welfare measures for affected families, reservation of jobs for local youths, and adequate contractual opportunities for the local population.
