By TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th May 2025: Extreme tension has gripped the Sundhibasa area under Rahumchhara Village Council in North Tripura’s Panisagar subdivision amid allegations of illegal encroachment on government forest land. A local resident opposing the encroachment has reportedly received death threats.
Sources informed that Kamal Uddin, a resident of ward number 4’s Purbapara had relocated from Pipla Cherra a few years back and allegedly occupied forest land, building a permanent residence there. Recently, Krishna Babu Sinha, a resident of Paschim Para accused Kamal Uddin and his family of attempting to encroach on his private land multiple times.
Speaking on the matter, Krishna Babu alleged, “A few days back, when I tried to install a pipe to drain water from my fish pond, Kamal’s sons obstructed me. They even threatened to kill me. I was beaten and warned that I would be stuffed into a sack.”
The situation worsened on the afternoon of May 10 when Krishna Babu attempted to fill a road leading to his rubber plantation. He claims that Kamal Uddin, his wife Mipatun Nesa and his son Faizur Rahman tried to attack him with sticks forcing him to flee. That night, he lodged a written complaint at Damcherra Police Station.
Following the complaint, police officials visited the site on May 11 for an investigation. However, Krishna expressed frustration over the lack of action stating, “Despite their inquiry, no legal steps have been taken yet. I am living in extreme fear and need immediate police intervention.”
The incident has also sparked concerns over increasing encroachments on forest land. Locals question the Forest Department’s silence, as unauthorized settlements continue to emerge in Rahumcherra and neighboring village councils. Allegations suggest that lax enforcement has emboldened individuals to clear forests for rubber plantations and concrete structures.
“Encroachers are taking advantage of the Forest Department’s negligence, indiscriminately cutting trees and setting up rubber plantations,” said a local resident, demanding urgent intervention.
A similar situation took place last year at Pekucherra, where over 30 refugee families occupied forest land despite multiple eviction notices. With Sundhibasa witnessing similar developments, many fear unchecked encroachments could devastate the region’s forest cover.
