Breaking News: Karbi Anglong Groups Petition NCST Over Illegal Land Encroachment

NEW DELHI, November 21, 2025 — A delegation of prominent tribal student and youth organizations from Assam, including the Karbi Students' and Youth Council (KSYC), the Dimasa Students' Union (DSU - Delhi), along with allied tribal bodies, submitted a forceful petition to the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in New Delhi today.
The petition raises serious concerns over widespread illegal encroachment in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. The delegation highlighted the occupation of crucial Professional Grazing Reserves (PGRs), Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs), government, and departmental land by what they termed "non-tribal outsiders" and "illegal settlers."
Key Issues Raised:
* Violation of Constitutional Safeguards: The organizations claim the encroachments violate the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
* Livelihood Threat: They stressed that PGR/VGR lands are essential for the livelihood and cultural practices of the indigenous Karbi and Dimasa communities.
* Delay in Eviction: A key point of discussion during their meeting with NCST members was the delay in carrying out eviction drives from the encroached PGR/VGR lands in the region, despite earlier announcements and ongoing legal processes.
The delegation also submitted supporting documents, including maps and land status reports, urging the NCST to direct the immediate eviction of unauthorized occupants and ensure the protection of tribal rights.
The NCST has reportedly acknowledged the gravity of the issues and, according to sources, is considering an on-ground inspection in Karbi Anglong to investigate the matter thoroughly. This development signals a significant intervention at the national level regarding the long-standing land dispute in the hill districts of Assam