“If we are Maobadis then our elected representatives are Maobadi leaders as we voted them;” Protests continue in Dolu against Airport

ADGP GP Singh’s motorcade has failed to scare off the protesting tea garden workers in Dolu. Beating an absolute downpour, the labourers of Dolu tea estate continued their protests even today. They made it clear that they won’t let an excavator demolish the tea garden that has been feeding their generations. “We won’t let the administration take over the land, destroy the tea garden and construct an airport. Let them construct the airport on empty fields but not here,” said the protesting workers.

According to them, the plantation is recent and will continue to provide tea leaves for more than 30 years to come. In such a scenario, destroying the plantation is like, “destroying our children,” says a protesting labourer. ADGP GP Singh, renowned as the most powerful Police personnel in Assam visited the area today. While one anticipated that such a high profile motorcade might scare off the protesters, but to the contrary, the number of protestors only swelled further.

Silchar MP Dr. Rajdeep Roy had alleged that there are “Maobadi” elements within the protesters who are distracting the innocent labourers and using them for their own vested interest. When asked about the same allegation, the protesting labourers laughed at it. One of them said, “If we are Maobadis then our elected representatives are Maobadi leaders as we voted them to power.” The protester added, “Moynagarh GP is governed by BJP, same is the case with Lalbag, Subham… if we are Maobadis then who voted for the BJP to win from these Gaon Panchayats. At the centre you have the BJP, at the state you have the BJP and we the voters have become Maobadis… not directing this to anyone in particular, but we are core BJP voters and if we are called the Maobadis, the leaders calling us Maobadis are Maobadi leaders,” he added.

While it continues to rain cats and dogs, around 20 excavators have been spotted heading towards Dolu. Police sources have informed that tomorrow the administration will move ahead to remove the plantation from the earmarked land. Sources have also informed that in case there happens to be any unlawful obstruction, the Police will take action as per law.

The legal fraternity of Silchar has remained silent so far. Unlike what happened in Aarey Colony, Mumbai, in Dolu, it has so far remained a Tea Garden centric protests. One of the veteran lawyers in Silchar said, “If no one approaches the legal routes involving the lawyers, how can the lawyers help.”

Cachar Police has already announced that traffic will be restricted at Borkhola Point and Latigram in order to maintain law and order situation. Will the Police use force or will they manage to earn the confidence of the protesting labourers, next 24 hours remain crucial.