DIMAPUR, APRIL 22 (MExN): The NSCN-K (Yung Aung) has strongly condemed what it described as a “violent attempt” by the Coal India Limited (CIL) to evict Naga and other tribal villagers in the Ledo area of Tinsukia district, Assam. It accused the company of disregarding mass opposition by local communities and alleged environmental degradation caused by coal mining activities along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
In a press statement, the NSCN-K (YA) claimed that the widespread illegal coal extractions and coal dumping along the Assam- Arunachal border, specifically Tinsukia district in Assam and Changlang district in Arunachal has been heavily protested by the Tangsa Nagas but had landed on deaf ears.
The statement also alleged that companies including Coal India, ONGC, and Geo Enpro Petroleum Limited have for decades exploited natural resources in the region, resulting in significant environmental harm and the displacement of indigenous populations.
“The area’s coal and crude oil reserves have been relentlessly looted,” the group claimed, adding that local tribal communities have faced land grabs and threats to their traditional way of life.
It further charged the state governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh of suppressing the voices of the ethnic communities who are living in their ancestral land for thousands of years through “various tactics,” which it said undermines indigenous rights and cultural identity.
While reiterating its support for the Tangsa Naga people, the NSCN-K (YA) cautioned that it would no longer remain a passive observer and suggested that it could respond with “appropriate military action” if such actions against the communities continue.
