Opposition Leader Urges World Bank, ADB to Halt Funding Over ‘Illegal’ Land Acquisitions in Assam

Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has urged the World Bank and ADB to suspend funding for projects in Assam, citing alleged illegal land acquisitions affecting indigenous communities. In a letter to both institutions, Saikia called for an independent audit and a halt to funding until full legal compliance is ensured.

He highlighted two contentious projects: a township in Borduar Bagan, Kamrup, involving 1,500 acres inhabited by indigenous groups, and a thermal power plant in Parbatjhora, Kokrajhar, where 3,600 bighas of tribal land have been allotted to the Adani Group without community consent.

Saikia said these moves violate constitutional safeguards, key court rulings, and environmental laws, and demanded meaningful consultation with affected communities before proceeding.