A meeting was held today with the District Magistrate and Collector of Dharmanagar, North Tripura, Ms. Chandni Chandran, IAS, regarding the proposed new township project in Noagang. The visit also included an on-site inspection of the area where the project is expected to be developed.
The delegation was accompanied by Brigadier Jacob Hrangkhawl, Vice President of the NLFT (Mother Organisation), along with returnees and Brigadier Upendra Reang, Secretary General of NLFT. During the discussions and field visit, the team highlighted the concerns of the local Ranglong community, who have been voicing their opposition to the project.
According to the representatives, the proposed township would directly impact the ancestral and traditional lands of the Ranglong people. These lands have been preserved and protected by the community for generations, forming an important part of their cultural identity and heritage. Local leaders expressed that the community is deeply concerned about the possibility of losing ownership of these lands to the government’s development plans.
The Ranglong community emphasized that their ancestral land is not only a source of livelihood but also carries historical and cultural significance. Losing it would affect their traditions, identity, and way of life. They have called upon the authorities to respect their community rights and ownership while considering the future of the proposed township.
Leaders accompanying the visit extended their full support to the Ranglong people in defending their rights. They reiterated the importance of ensuring that development projects in Tripura should not come at the cost of displacing indigenous communities or disregarding their sentiments.
The delegation urged the government to adopt a more inclusive approach that balances development needs with the protection of indigenous rights. They further appealed for transparent consultations with the affected community to find a solution that safeguards both progress and cultural preservation.
The meeting with District Magistrate and Collector Ms. Chandni Chandran, IAS, was described as constructive, with officials listening to the concerns raised. The delegation expressed hope that the state government would reconsider its plans and prioritize the interests of the Ranglong people while moving forward with the proposed township project.
The issue has sparked widespread discussion in North Tripura, as citizens and community organizations closely watch the developments surrounding Noagang. The outcome of this dialogue is expected to play a key role in shaping the relationship between development initiatives and the protection of indigenous rights in the region.
With support from various leaders and organizations, the Ranglong community continues to stand firm in its demand for recognition of their ancestral land ownership. The visit to Noagang underscored the collective call for justice, cultural preservation, and respect for traditional rights in the face of modern development.