The All Rengma Welfare Organisation (ARWO), Assam-Nagaland, has extended its appreciation to the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, for the decisive action undertaken by the Assam Government in carrying out the eviction of illegal settlers in Rengma Reserve Forest under Uriamghat, Golaghat District, Assam.

Lauding the action as a significant step toward restoring justice, law and order, and long-standing indigenous rights in the region, the ARWO stated, “We applaud Chief Minister Sarma’s political will and administrative clarity in upholding the rights of the indigenous people while simultaneously addressing illegal migration—an issue that has deeply impacted the socio-political fabric of Assam, Nagaland and other Northeastern states.”

In a press release, the organisation also highlighted that the Rengma Reserve Forest, a living heritage site for the Rengma people, has seen widespread encroachment in recent decades and urged the Government of Assam to ensure its protection and to initiate steps for the recognition and restoration of the traditional rights of the Rengma Nagas over their ancestral lands.

“The undivided Rengma contiguous homeland encompasses Rengma Reserve Forest, Rengma River valley, Rengma Tea estate, Nambor Reserve Forest, Gholapani, Haldibari, Lisa goan, Rengma Pathar, Uriamghat, Sarupathar areas, Naojan areas, Naokhuti areas now under Golaghat district; Nambor Reserve Forest, Kaliani Reserve Forest, Dhansari Reserve Forest, Doldali Reserve Forest, Diphu River Valley, Jamuna River Valley now under Karbi Anglong; and parts of Nagaland including Tseminyu district,” it stated.

Further, ARWO president, Akhu Kath, and general secretary, Tegibu Tep, have also thanked the various CSOs, youth organisations, NPGs, and Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, for taking proactive steps to protect the state border.