Cachar: Land acquisition for greenfield airport begins amid tight security

Silchar, May 12: The process of land acquisition for the proposed Greenfield airport at Cachar’s Dalu Tea Estate in Assam was initiated in the wee hours of Thursday, amid a tight layer of police and central forces security.

Hundreds of JCBs were deployed for the deforesting action even though local tea labourers have been vociferously protesting against these moves fearing job losses.

Senior police officials are camping at the location despite incessant rainfall in the area.

Cachar administration on Wednesday clamped Section 144 in the area and adjoining Mahasadak, barring assembly of more than 5 persons and carrying of arms, weapons, explosives etc.

“Whereas it has been made to appear to me that there is apprehension that here is apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity around Dalu Tea Estate area including Mahasadak area in greater Borkhola due to eviction programme in connection with setting up of Green Field Airport, and, Whereas some persons may indulge in anti-social activities and intimidate & tease the innocent people to create obstruction to genuine public and create annoyance,” mentioned the order.

Speaking with the media, Cachar SP Ramandeep Kaur said, “The process of acquiring the land for the Greenfield airport has started. It is being done as per the memorandum signed by all the parties. My request to the public is not to hinder government work and redress their grievances via proper channels.”

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