Assam government accused of letting corporate houses take over tribal lands

Assam's government faces backlash for allegedly transferring tribal lands to corporations for mining and hydropower projects, risking displacement.

Political parties and social organisations in central Assam’s Dima Hasao district have accused the State government and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) of systematically transferring tribal land to corporate interests, warning of large-scale displacement in violation of constitutional safeguards.

In a memorandum submitted to Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya after a protest rally at Umrangso on Saturday (January 31, 2026), indigenous representatives led by Congress leader Bapojith Langthasa urged him to invoke his special powers under the Sixth Schedule to halt what they described as illegal land alienation for mining, cement manufacturing, and hydropower projects.

Thousands of protesters gathered at Umrangso, opposing land allotments that they said undermine customary land rights and the autonomy guaranteed to tribal areas under the Constitution.

According to the memorandum, more than 9,000 bighas of tribal land have been allotted for limestone mining in Umrangso over the past two years, affecting at least seven villages. Land has also allegedly been allotted to major cement companies, including Ambuja Cements (now part of the Adani Group), Dalmia Bharat, Star Cement, and JK Lakshmi Cement.

The groups claimed that several of these allotments overlap with the Krungming Reserve Forest and a recognised Key Biodiversity Area, home to the endangered white-rumped vultures and a roosting expanse of migratory Amur falcons. The area also has several elephant corridors.

They alleged that mining and industrial activities have already left many tribal families homeless, while compensation has been diverted to fictitious beneficiaries. At least 77 genuine tribal households, with council records and tax receipts were reportedly excluded from compensation lists.