Williamnagar, September 7, 2026: The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF), along with concerned Nokmas, has raised serious concerns over the ongoing highway expansion work along the Darugre–Songsak–Williamnagar stretch in East Garo Hills, alleging land encroachment, unsafe excavation and blasting, indiscriminate dumping of construction debris and irregularities concerning migrant labourers and labour camps.
In a complaint submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, East Garo Hills, Williamnagar, ASPF General Secretary Adv. Bernita Marak stated that while the organisation supports infrastructure development, the implementation of the project should not come at the cost of the rights, livelihoods and safety of indigenous landowners and local communities.
The highway project is being undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), with the construction work awarded to Sivalaya Construction Pvt. Ltd.
According to the complaint, construction activities have allegedly extended beyond established measurements into land belonging to local landowners. The ASPF further alleged that some landowners have faced difficulties in monitoring activities on their own properties and claimed that police intervention had been reported when individuals attempted to raise objections.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as deep excavation, stone extraction and blasting activities. It alleged that such activities have contributed to land instability, landslides and soil erosion, besides affecting agricultural land, including arecanut and other horticultural plantations.
The complaint further alleged that some residential structures located near construction areas have sustained damage reportedly linked to blasting activities. Another major concern raised by the ASPF relates to the alleged indiscriminate dumping of excess earth, stones and construction debris.
The organisation claimed that during rainfall, dumped materials are washed into adjoining agricultural fields, damaging crops and plantations and affecting the livelihoods of local farmers. The ASPF also raised concerns over the presence and registration of migrant workers engaged in the project. It called for verification of workers’ documentation and compliance with applicable laws and local regulations.
The organisation referred to a recent alleged assault involving a migrant labourer and a local woman in Rongre, stating that the incident has heightened concerns over community safety. Concerns were also raised regarding labour camps established along the highway. The ASPF alleged that some camps lack adequate sanitation facilities, potentially resulting in public-health risks.
It further claimed that some labour camps have been established in or near protected forest areas and locations governed by traditional institutions without the necessary permissions from the concerned A·king Nokmas.
The organisation has urged the Deputy Commissioner to order an immediate joint survey to verify the boundaries of affected lands and ascertain whether any encroachment has taken place. It has also sought appropriate compensation for landowners whose agricultural land, crops, plantations or properties may have been damaged by construction activities.
The ASPF has further called for an independent technical inspection of areas affected by excavation and blasting, proper management of construction debris, verification of migrant workers’ registration and documentation, and inspection of all labour camps associated with the project. The organisation has also demanded action against unauthorised labour camps, particularly those allegedly established in forest areas or on A·king land without the required permissions.
The complaint was supported by the signatures of the Nokmas of Naringgre A·king, Rong·apgre A·king, Wagopgre A·king and Jamge A·king. The ASPF maintained that road development is important for the region but stressed that infrastructure projects must be implemented in a lawful, transparent and environmentally responsible manner while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities.
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