Standoff at Rilan Yan again

Another standoff between Rilan Yan villagers and the Assam Police occurred on April 5. According to villagers, the district administration of Karbi-Anglong has objected to the village’s move to cultivate a site, nestled on a slope overlooking a camp of the 6th Assam Police battalion.

The April 4 standoff was replayed today after the Assam Police, along with the CRPF, moved to the site alleging the villagers had not honoured an agreement arrived at the day before. Bamboo sheds set up by the villagers at the site were dismantled on April 4, while the villagers were asked to cease construction activity. Today, the villagers reportedly put CGI sheets for roofing a shed, which was said to have been dismantled the day before. The villagers, while maintaining that it is village land, objected to the Assam Police’s move to remove the roofing.

It was finally removed, nonetheless, after an informal understanding was reached. The Karbi-Anglong administration was led by Executive Magistrate & Assistant Commissioner, Jyotimary Daimary. From Dimapur, the SDPO, Niuland and the officer in charge of West Police Station were present.

Karbi-Anglong EM & AC, Jyotimary Daimary, when queried on the status of the site, maintained that it is part of Daldali Reserve Forest, Assam; and that any kind of activity in a Reserve Forest cannot be allowed. Queried further on the status of a new settlement overlooking the disputed site, he replied that he had no knowledge of its existence till recently. “I came to know from my source that they have settled here just for cultivation.” He added that he had asked the DFO in concern to explain the status in writing. An Executive Member of the Karbi-Anglong Autonomous Council had recommended the setting up of the settlement, it was added. Meanwhile, Daimary hinted at a post-election meeting of Dimapur and Karbi-Anglong officials to discuss the dispute.