DOLLUNGMUKH, Jul 4: Minister for Land Management, Environment and Forest Nabam Rebia asserted that the safety and security of the indigenous people would not be compromised with any project, even if it is of national importance.
“No matter how important the project would be, the safety and security of the local indigenous people will not be compromised,” Rebia, who visited the bombing zone and other parts of Dollungmukh area on Tuesday, said.
He said that the state government will take into consideration all aspects of public welfare, social security, safety and security of the people of Dollungmukh area before going for a renewal of lease agreement for bombing zone at Dolungmukh in Kamle district.
He, however, maintained that the shifting of the bombing zone cannot be done at the earliest as it is a matter between the state and the central government.
“But before renewal of the agreement, the state government will consider all aspects of the situation and concerns of the locals, keeping national security in view,” Rebia said.
During the visit, he interacted with the locals, leaders and administrative officials of the area and listened to the problems being faced by them during the bombing periods and live bombing since 2017.
The minister urged the locals to cooperate and at the same time, requested the accompanying Indian Air Force officials to create public awareness about the bombing zone, schedule and timing of bombing to avoid unpleasant incidents.
He suggested that the local administration and Kamle district administration need to get in touch with the air force officials for further communication so that no further loss of life and property of the locals are repeated in future.
Local MLA Tamar Murtem, while highlighting the grievances of the locals, expressed his concern over the safety and security of life and property of locals residing in the nine villages in the vicinity of the bombing zone, and called for timely action to avoid recurrence of any bombing-related incidents.
Earlier, a public representation was submitted to the minister demanding immediate shifting of the live bombing, firing range and immediate demarcation of Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary at Dollungmukh.
During the visit, Rebia was accompanied by Secretary Land Management SK Jain, Kamle Deputy Commissioner Moki Loyi and other heads of department, local leaders and social workers.
