Correspondent
DILLAI, Aug 03: In a significant step towards grassroots development, the foundation stone for the office of the Borjan Development Committee (BDC) was ceremonially laid today near the Hidipi Sericulture Department office, along the Dillai–Sarihajan highway.
The event was graced by Shri Philip Teron, Chairman of the KAAC Food and Civil Supply Board, who served as the chief guest and formally laid the foundation stone. He was joined by BDC President Krist Rongphar, General Secretary Chandra Timung, Vice President Kolpana Tissopi, and Finance Secretary Kolomsing Terang, among other office bearers and community members.
In his address to the media, BDC President Krist Rongphar highlighted the committee’s earlier initiatives, notably a cleanliness drive at the Langvoku picnic site, held under the banner “Miya Bhagao, Borjan Bachao” (Drive Out Illegal Settlers, Save Borjan). He emphasized the growing concerns of land encroachment and demographic changes in the Borjan area, particularly pointing to the alleged illegal occupation of agricultural land by non-locals.
BDC leaders shared that a drone survey had been conducted to assess the extent of encroachment, revealing that vast stretches of land had been taken over under the guise of farming. They alleged that some local Karbis had facilitated this occupation, either knowingly or due to lack of awareness.
The committee has vowed to take legal action where necessary. “We will collect the names of those illegally occupying our ancestral lands and issue them notices. If these are not honoured, we shall seek the intervention of the law enforcement authorities,” said one of the BDC members.
Citing a rapid and disproportionate rise in the local Muslim population, the BDC expressed fears over a potential demographic imbalance that could threaten the cultural and social fabric of the indigenous communities. They asserted that once settlers take root, reclaiming the land becomes a near-impossible task.
Villages reportedly witnessing significant demographic changes include Longbi Hanse, Mukhim Rongpi, Mohori Teron, Nihang Terang, Surumanthi, Baliram Engti, Amri Rongpi, Bormanthi, Longkrang, Khatkhati, Long Kathar, Balijan, and Longhup Timung, among others.
The BDC has appealed to local citizens and civil society groups to support their efforts, urging continued vigilance amid the ongoing state-wide eviction drive spearheaded by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities and ensuring the inclusive development of the Borjan region.