DIBRUGARH, Dec 5 - All works of the Oil India Limited (OIL) at Shalmari-Dighalia area under Tingkhong police station came to a halt on Friday following obstruction by the activists of the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and the Udalbam-Dighalia Yuva Samaj.
Entry into the Oil Collection Station I, II and the Gas Collection Station in the area was prevented since the morning by the local population, led by the youth organisations in protest against the failure of the OIL authorities to fulfil their demands.
The protestors had earlier demanded that the OIL initiate development works in the area in proportion to the quantum of oil and gas extracted from the area, besides replacing the old pipeline connections with new ones to prevent untoward incidents, control pollution in the area, provide employment to the local youths and initiate measures to supply drinking water in the area.
The OIL authorities had reportedly assured the people to fulfil their demands, but nothing has been initiated so far. Bhaben Sonowal, vice-president, AJYCP, Dibrugarh district said that the people had urged the OIL authorities four months ago to take measures to fulfil their demands.
The protestors alleged that the OIL authorities were not at all concerned about the safety of the people and preventing pollution in the air and agricultural fields in the area. The OIL has also not done enough to develop the area in terms of infrastructure, Sonowal said.
The OIL officials had tried to negotiate with the protestors, but failed to break the deadlock. The protestors resolved to go for an indefinite blockade of the OCS and GCS after the failure of the OIL authorities to meet their demands.
