Assam, August 1: The All Rengma Welfare Organisation (ARWO) has extended its heartfelt appreciation to the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, for the recent eviction of illegal settlers in the Rengma Reserve Forest under Uriamghat, Golaghat District.
In a press release, ARWO described the government’s action as a significant step toward restoring justice, law and order, and long-standing indigenous rights. It noted that the Rengma Reserve Forest holds ancestral, historical, and cultural importance for the Rengma Naga tribe and is part of their traditional homeland, predating modern administrative boundaries.
The organisation highlighted that the undivided Rengma homeland includes areas such as the Rengma Reserve Forest, Rengma River valley, Rengma Tea Estate, Nambor Reserve Forest, Gholapani, Haldibari, Lisa Goan, Rengma Pathar, Uriamghat, Sarupathar, Naojan, and Naokhuti under Golaghat District; areas under Karbi Anglong including Nambor Reserve Forest, Kaliani Reserve Forest, Dhansari Reserve Forest, Doldali Reserve Forest, Diphu River Valley, and Jamuna River Valley; and parts of Nagaland including Tseminyu District.
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ARWO applauded the Assam Chief Minister’s political will and administrative clarity in upholding indigenous rights while addressing illegal migration, which it said has affected Assam, Nagaland, and other Northeastern states.
The organisation also expressed gratitude to various civil society organisations, youth bodies, Naga Political Groups, and Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio for taking proactive steps to protect the state border.
In conclusion, ARWO called on the Assam Government to continue such lawful actions, ensure protection of the Rengma Reserve Forest, and take steps to recognise and restore traditional rights of the Rengma Nagas over their ancestral lands. It also urged the implementation of permanent measures to prevent future encroachments.
