“The Gaon Bura of Longplaidisa village in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, has strongly objected to proposed drilling and mining-related activities, alleging land encroachment, environmental risks, and violation of community consent. In a formal letter to the Director of Geology and Mining, Assam, village headman Duttaram Hojai appealed for an immediate halt to any exploratory drilling at Longplaidisa, cautioning that such activities threaten valuable cultivable land, forest cover, flora and fauna, water bodies, and the overall ecological balance. Hojai highlighted that tribal residents are already suffering from pollution and social impacts due to existing cement plants, ongoing mining operations, and alleged illegal rat-hole coal extraction, which have led to an inflow of outside laborers and a rise in crime. In a separate letter to the Principal Secretary of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Hojai accused a private cement company of encroaching over two kilometres into the village boundary, constructing a road through Nobdilongkukro village, and planning limestone mining in Longplaidisa—all without villagers’ consent. The residents have strongly opposed the encroachment, asserting that any mining or road construction would endanger their land, environment, wildlife, and streams. Hojai stressed that the people of Umrangso have already borne the brunt of unchecked industrial activities and have a duty to protect their land and environment for future generations. The village authorities have urged urgent intervention from NCHAC and the state government to safeguard the rights, resources, and traditional way of life of Longplaidisa villagers.”
