ASOM Alliance gheraos AMDC office, demands suspension of MD Natarajan Anand

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 16, 2025

Hundreds of activists from Asom Sanmilita Morcha (ASOM), a coalition of 11 non-Congress and non-BJP parties, gheraoed the office of the Assam Mining Development Corporation (AMDC) at Kahilipara in Guwahati on Thursday. They demanded the immediate suspension of its managing director, Natarajan Anand, alleging his involvement in illegal rat-hole coal mining at 3 Kilo in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, in violation of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans.

On January 6, nine miners were trapped inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso. The bodies of four miners were recovered, while five others remain trapped. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the number of trapped miners may be as high as 17.

Police prevented protestors from entering the AMDC campus. The demonstrators also demanded the immediate arrest of Kanika Hojai, wife of Debolal Hojai, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), alleging her involvement in illegal coal mining operations.

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They further demanded the removal of Debolal Gorlosa from the CEM post stating that both Gorlosa and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief Tuliram Ronghang are looting the resources of the twin hills at the behest of Dispur.

The protest was led by key ASOM alliance leaders, including Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, ASOM alliance president and Rajya Sabha MP; Lurinjyoti Gogoi, general secretary; Jiaur Rahman, publicity secretary, AJP; Manoranjan Talukdar, CPI-M MLA; Udhav Barman, former MP;

Russel Hussain, Raijor Dal working president; Bassko De Saikia, general secretary, RD; Bibek Das, CPI-ML state secretary; Munin Mahanta, CPI leader and former MLA; Bikram Hanse, APHLC leader; Charan Deka, PLP president and Gautam Boruah, AIFB leader.

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The protest was also joined by victims of Silsako eviction, including Gayatri Bori, Bitumoni Das, and noted intellectual Deven Tamuly, among others.

ASOM leaders vowed to continue their agitation until the demands for action against illegal mining activities and responsible officials are met.