Tribal Groups Oppose North Eastern Coalfields' Proposed Open-Cast Mining in Tinsukia

Tribal organisations from the Tirap Tribal Belt in Tinsukia district have opposed North Eastern Coalfields' proposed open-cast coal mining project at Saliki village, citing threats to indigenous land rights and biodiversity. They allege that a No Objection Certificate was obtained without informed consent during a local panchayat meeting. Representatives highlighted the area's historical status as the Tirap Tribal Belt, established to protect indigenous communities, and criticized unilateral preparations by NEC, a Coal India subsidiary.