Takam Mising Porin Kébang (TMPK), All Mising Students' Union, has extended its support to the Assam government's proposal to reduce the extent of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park, while calling for the distance to be reduced to zero.
Addressing a press conference at the Mising Jironi Chora in Bokakhat, TMPK leaders said they support Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s proposal to reduce the existing 10-km ESZ limit to one kilometre.
However, the student organisation said the government should consider reducing the limit further to zero distance, arguing that the long-standing demand of people living around Kaziranga, including residents of Bokakhat and Kaliabor, should be taken into account.
The TMPK said the issue has remained a concern for people living in areas adjoining the national park for several years. The organisation also recalled that cases were registered in 2019 against leaders of several student organisations in connection with protests opposing the ESZ restrictions.
The student body said the state government’s decision in the matter, which is currently pending before the Supreme Court, could provide relief to people living in the areas surrounding Kaziranga.
The TMPK also criticised the Congress for opposing the government’s position on the ESZ issue, accusing the party of going against the interests of residents living in the vicinity of Kaziranga National Park.
The organisation reiterated its support for the government’s proposal and urged authorities to consider the concerns of local residents while taking a final decision on the matter.
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