Ledo, November 8, 2025, The Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) Margherita Regional Committee staged a fiery protest in Ledo. Burning the effigy of Digboi Forest Division’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) BV Sandeep (IFS).
The demonstration took place on National Highway 315 on Friday. By drawing public attention to what protesters called “massive forest destruction” under the Digboi Forest Division.
Dozens of AJYCP members gathered with placards, shouting slogans demanding accountability from forest officials and immediate government intervention. They alleged that illegal deforestation has been continuing unchecked in several parts of the Digboi range. Affecting wildlife and threatening the ecological balance of the area.
Allegations of Rampant Illegal Logging
According to the protesters, large tracts of forest land in the Digboi range have been cleared over recent months. They accused certain officials of negligence, claiming that the forest cover is shrinking due to illegal timber extraction and encroachment.
Members of the AJYCP said they have repeatedly submitted complaints to higher authorities, yet little action has been taken. “We are witnessing the slow death of our forests,” one protester said. “If officials cannot protect them, they must be held accountable.”
The organization demanded a full-scale inquiry into forest activities under the Digboi Forest Division and urged the state government to deploy an independent team to assess the environmental damage.
AJYCP Condemns Alleged Administrative Silence
During the protest, AJYCP leaders criticized what they described as the administration’s “deliberate silence” on forest destruction. They alleged that both government and forest department officials are turning a blind eye to illegal logging, allowing vested interests to exploit natural resources.
The effigy burning of DFO BV Sandeep symbolized public anger and frustration over the issue. Protesters declared that they would intensify their agitation if immediate measures are not taken to stop deforestation and punish those responsible.
The leaders said the protest was not aimed at any individual personally but against the system’s failure to safeguard the state’s natural heritage. “We respect the office, but we cannot remain silent when our forests are being destroyed,” an AJYCP member stated.
Environmental Impact Raises Alarm
The Digboi forest region, located in upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, is home to rich biodiversity, including elephants, leopards, and rare bird species. Environmentalists have warned that continuous logging and encroachment could have irreversible impacts on wildlife corridors and water sources.
Locals have reported declining forest cover, soil erosion, and reduced rainfall patterns over the past few years. Many fear that unchecked destruction could lead to severe ecological imbalance in the region, affecting agriculture and local livelihoods.
The AJYCP emphasized that protecting these forests is essential not just for wildlife but also for the wellbeing of future generations. They urged citizens to unite in safeguarding Assam’s natural heritage from exploitation.
Locals Voice Frustration and Fear
Residents of nearby areas expressed strong support for the protest. Many claimed that they have witnessed trucks transporting timber from forest areas at night, despite restrictions.
Farmers and villagers also expressed concern over the loss of trees that previously helped regulate temperature and rainfall. Some said that forest officials rarely visit remote zones where illegal activities take place.
“The forest is our life,” one villager said. “If it disappears, our future disappears too.” Their sentiments echoed the growing demand for stricter forest protection measures and transparent investigations.
Calls for Government Action
Following the protest, the AJYCP submitted a memorandum addressed to the Assam Chief Minister and the Forest Minister. The group demanded that immediate steps be taken to investigate alleged corruption within the forest division and to suspend officials found responsible for negligence.
They also called for an increase in community-based forest monitoring and stronger enforcement of anti-logging laws. According to AJYCP, local youth should be engaged in conservation programs to ensure that forest protection efforts remain sustainable and inclusive.
Political observers believe that the incident reflects growing environmental awareness among Assam’s youth organizations, who are no longer willing to overlook administrative failures in protecting natural resources.
A Wake-Up Call for Assam’s Forest Governance
The effigy-burning protest in Ledo is being seen as a warning sign of public anger over environmental degradation in the state. Activists argue that without accountability and transparency, such incidents will continue to erode Assam’s ecological wealth.
They pointed out that Assam’s forests, including those under the Digboi range, play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s climate stability and supporting its biodiversity. Protecting these areas, they said, should be treated as a matter of national importance.
As the controversy grows, pressure is mounting on the forest department to address the allegations promptly and rebuild public trust through visible action.