Itanagar: Residents opposing the proposed Raga reserve forest in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kamle district have warned of a democratic movement if the authorities fail to address their concerns within seven days.
The Raga Proposed Reserve Forest Affected People Forum (RPRFAPF) has demanded the cancellation of the proposal and an open discussion involving affected villagers and forest officials. The forum also plans to seek the intervention of the Kamle district administration.
At a meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of forum chairman Himi Passa, participants adopted resolutions outlining their course of action against the proposed reserve forest under the Raga forest range of the Hapoli Forest Division.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Passa alleged that the process had been initiated without the knowledge or consent of local residents and villagers in Raga block.
He questioned why the Forest Department, under the jurisdiction of the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Hapoli Forest Division and the range forest officer (RFO) of Raga, had proceeded with the proposal without consulting affected communities and the respective village authorities.
Passa said the forum would give the Kamle deputy commissioner seven days to convene a meeting involving the DFO, the RFO and representatives of the affected people to discuss the proposal.
According to him, the forum has approached the deputy commissioner four times seeking such a meeting but has yet to receive a response.
“If the administration fails to convene a meeting within seven days, we will initiate a democratic movement,” Passa said. He added that the forest officials concerned would be held responsible for any consequences arising from the agitation.
The forum has also resolved to launch a series of protests along the stretch from Tamen bridge point to Godak village in Kamle district if the proposal is not cancelled within the stipulated period.
As of Tuesday, the forum was yet to submit its representation to the district administration.
The meeting was attended by the Raga Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM), Gaon Panchayat Chairpersons (GPCs), Gaon Panchayat Members (GPMs) and affected residents from various villages.