A significant demonstration unfolded at Behora Tea Estate in Bokakhat as hundreds of tea garden workers voiced their vehement opposition against the estate management’s initiative to transform the historic Behora Airfield into a tea plantation. The unrest began when estate authorities reportedly commenced tilling operations on the airfield’s grounds, seemingly preparing the land for tea sapling plantation, all without any prior consultation with the resident workers.
The action by the estate management ignited a wave of discontent among the labourers, who consider the airfield a deeply rooted and essential part of their community’s heritage. The sheer force of the workers’ resistance ultimately compelled the authorities to halt the ongoing ploughing activities.
This morning, the protest escalated as workers, joined by representatives from the Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATSA) and various other party organizations, converged on the site to emphatically demand the safeguarding of the airfield. The demonstrators alleged that the estate management was attempting to “covertly seize” the land, which has historically served as a vital playing field for children from the tea worker families.
According to ATSA, the Behora Airfield, with its 200-year-old legacy, is not only historically significant but also a crucial recreational space for the local populace. The protesters are now calling upon relevant authorities to step in and ensure the preservation of the airfield, preventing its conversion into a tea cultivation site. The situation remains tense, with further developments expected.