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Tea garden workers protest in Cachar, allege broken promises on land and housing

Tea garden workers protest in Cachar, allege broken promises on land and housing

Tea garden workers protest in Cachar, allege broken promises on land and housing

January 9, 2026

Nazira in Assam witnessed rising tension this week after a farmer from the tea community alleged that an outside road construction contractor encroached on his land, destroyed crops, and even issued death threats. The incident reportedly took place in Mezhenga area under Nazira subdivision of Sivasagar district. According to the complaint, a contractor identified as Vinod Kumar Poddar, who is working with a private road construction company, allegedly occupied a portion of land belonging to farmer Jiten Rabidas. Rabidas claimed that standing crops on his land were damaged during the encroachment, and a small pathway used by local residents for daily movement was also taken under his control. The allegations have angered local organisations in the region. On Thursday, the Sivasagar district unit of the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanding immediate intervention. Representatives of the organisation said that they were concerned about the growing fear among marginalised communities if such incidents go unchecked. Local leaders described the allegations as serious, especially at a time when the Assam government is working on providing land pattas to tea garden workers. They pointed out that such incidents could undermine government efforts to secure land rights for people from the tea community, who have long struggled for legal ownership of land. The memorandum submitted by Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh requested the administration to conduct a fair inquiry, ensure protection for the farmer, and take necessary action if the allegations are found true. The organisation also appealed to tea community bodies and civil society groups to support Rabidas and stand united against possible injustice. Meanwhile, residents in Mezhenga reported growing anxiety following claims of death threats. Some community members expressed fear that the contractor’s alleged actions could lead to further tension if not addressed promptly.

Nazira in Assam witnessed rising tension this week after a farmer from the tea community alleged that an outside road construction contractor encroached on his land, destroyed crops, and even issued death threats. The incident reportedly took place in Mezhenga area under Nazira subdivision of Sivasagar district. According to the complaint, a contractor identified as Vinod Kumar Poddar, who is working with a private road construction company, allegedly occupied a portion of land belonging to farmer Jiten Rabidas. Rabidas claimed that standing crops on his land were damaged during the encroachment, and a small pathway used by local residents for daily movement was also taken under his control. The allegations have angered local organisations in the region. On Thursday, the Sivasagar district unit of the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanding immediate intervention. Representatives of the organisation said that they were concerned about the growing fear among marginalised communities if such incidents go unchecked. Local leaders described the allegations as serious, especially at a time when the Assam government is working on providing land pattas to tea garden workers. They pointed out that such incidents could undermine government efforts to secure land rights for people from the tea community, who have long struggled for legal ownership of land. The memorandum submitted by Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh requested the administration to conduct a fair inquiry, ensure protection for the farmer, and take necessary action if the allegations are found true. The organisation also appealed to tea community bodies and civil society groups to support Rabidas and stand united against possible injustice. Meanwhile, residents in Mezhenga reported growing anxiety following claims of death threats. Some community members expressed fear that the contractor’s alleged actions could lead to further tension if not addressed promptly.

Tea farmer alleges land grab, death threat by contractor in Nazira

December 19, 2025