Dholai, Assam: A volatile land dispute has flared up once again in French Nagar, near the sensitive Assam-Mizoram border, following allegations that an individual is illegally constructing a residential house on disputed land, including areas claimed as Reserved Forest, despite the matter being currently sub judice (pending in court).
The long-standing conflict in Frenchnagar centres on the demarcation of boundaries between ‘Madi’ (disputed) land and Reserved Forest land. The controversy recently escalated after a land sale, leading to a clash over demarcation and ownership.
Allegations of Illegal Construction Despite Case
The conflict was initially reported to the local police station and subsequently escalated to the courts. Furthermore, a formal complaint was lodged with the Hawaithang Beat Forest Office.
However, the core of the current controversy is the brazen alleged defiance of both the law and the Forest Department. Local residents accuse Nishikanta Das (alias Nanu), along with Indrajit Das and others, of illegally constructing a house on the disputed plot by cutting down the hillock—all while the matter is under legal consideration.
The Landowners’ Claim
The original landowners, Labani Mohan Das and Hiralal Das, spoke to the media on Thursday, stating they have been enjoying the rights to some land along the Frenchnagar Singua Road for over 70 years. They recently sold a portion of this land.
They claim that soon after the sale, Nishikanta Das and others began obstructing the buyers from occupying the land, claiming possession of the plot. This led to the filing of a formal case at the Lailapur Police Petrol Post and complaints lodged with the Forest Department.
Forest Department Under Fire
What has sparked widespread outrage among local residents is the “silent role” being played by the Forest Department. The illegal construction on the hillock and alleged encroachment onto Forest land is reportedly taking place barely one kilometre away from the Hawaithang Forest Office.
Locals have expressed strong dissatisfaction, questioning the Forest Department’s failure to take immediate action against the blatant encroachment on government land, especially during an ongoing legal dispute. They demand immediate intervention to halt the illegal construction and establish the proper land boundaries.
