The Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU) has demanded immediate steps to remove alleged encroachments from Sivasagar’s historic monuments and protect the heritage sites. The organisation has also announced a protest programme on September 7 over the issue.
ATASU president Basanta Gogoi alleged that several historically significant sites in Sivasagar are facing encroachment and neglect, raising concerns over their long-term preservation.
Encroachment Alleged Along the Jamuna
According to Gogoi, the Jamuna river flowing through Sivasagar town has been heavily encroached upon.
The organisation has also alleged encroachment on around 10 bighas of land belonging to the old Dol area of the Ranganath Shiv Doul.
Gogoi further alleged that an individual had managed officials including the Lat Mandal, ADC, SDC and Circle Officer to facilitate the sale of the land. These allegations have not been independently established.
Questions Over Land Within Talatal Ghar Complex
ATASU has also raised concerns over an Agriculture Department farm located within the boundary of the historic Talatal Ghar.
The organisation said it had submitted a memorandum to Agriculture Minister Atul Bora seeking relocation of the farm from the heritage site. According to Gogoi, although assurances were given, no concrete action has followed.
Power House Inside Kareng Ghar Boundary
Another concern raised by the organisation relates to Kareng Ghar.
ATASU alleged that encroachment is continuing inside the monument’s boundary. It has also claimed that vibrations generated by a power house located within the area could pose a threat to the structural stability of the historic monument.
The organisation has called for the power house to be shifted to protect the heritage structure.
ATASU Welcomes World Heritage Push
The students’ organisation welcomed reports that the historic monuments of Rangpur, the erstwhile Ahom capital, could receive recognition as a World Heritage site.
However, ATASU said recognition alone would not be enough. According to the organisation, the government must first take concrete measures to remove encroachments, prevent unauthorised construction and ensure proper conservation of the monuments.
The organisation has announced its September 7 protest to press for these demands.
The allegations regarding encroachment and administrative inaction are those raised by ATASU president Basanta Gogoi; the concerned authorities’ responses to the specific allegations were not included in the statement.
