The Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA) has alleged that tea plants are being uprooted in Section 24 of Deopani Tea Estate without any discussion with the organisation, and has demanded an immediate halt to the work.
ATTSA said it had submitted three memoranda on the issue but no talks had been held so far. The organisation alleged that a contractor, with the involvement of some officials at the estate, brought JCB machines and dumpers to remove tea plants.
The organisation said it had earlier sent back vehicles from the site and had also raised the matter with the administration. It alleged that contractor Tanmoy Buragohain threatened to file cases against its members after they asked him to remove the vehicles.
ATTSA maintained that it was not protesting for money but to protect the livelihood of tea workers, whose families depend on wages earned from plucking tea leaves. It alleged that repeated assurances made after earlier discussions had not been fulfilled.
The body also alleged that no visible development or employment opportunities for local unemployed youth had been created in Deopani despite oil extraction in the area. It warned ONGC authorities to stop the removal of tea plants at the earliest, failing which it would take stronger action against both the contractor and ONGC authorities.
ATTSA further warned that if vehicles were again brought into the area for the work, the contractor would be responsible for the consequences.
