BJP Workers in Assam's Dima Hasao Demand Removal of CEM Debolal Gorlosa

A group of BJP workers in Assam's Dima Hasao district has submitted a letter to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, demanding the immediate replacement of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa. The letter accuses Gorlosa of “anti-BJP activities, corruption, dictatorial rule and illegal activities.”

In their written appeal to the Chief Minister, the signatories stated, “That Sir, with reference to the subject cited above, we the under signatories would like to bring to your kind attention that Shri Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Haflong, Dima Hasao, faces numerous allegations of anti-BJP activities, corruption, dictatorship rule and illegal activities.”

The letter further alleges that Gorlosa has been involved in “unauthorized land encroachments, misuse of Govt. funds, involvement in illicit mining operations and misuse of Executive Power violating the 6th Schedule to the Constitution of India (Assam Autonomous District Council Rule) as amended.”

Calling for immediate intervention, the BJP workers urged the Chief Minister to replace Gorlosa with a more capable and elected Member of Autonomous Council (MAC). “We, therefore, fervently request your kind honour to intervene and look into the matter to replace Debolal Gorlosa with able elected MAC to the prestigious post of CEM, N.C. Hills Autonomous Council for being unity, strength & welfare for general public of the Dima Hasao District," the letter added.

The letter also includes a list of allegations levelled against Gorlosa. Some of them are: 

1) The allegations against CEM Debolal Gorlosa are extensive and multifaceted, involving unauthorized land use, misappropriation of public funds, illegal resource extraction, and authoritarian governance practices. These claims have led to significarit unrest within the local political landscape and among community members in Dıma Hasao.

2) The absence of official responses further intensifies the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to address these concerns and restore public trust in the administration within the sangathan

3) CEM Gorlosa and his wife, Kanika Hojai, have been implicated in operating an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso. On 06 January 2025, a tragic incident highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal mining in the region. A group of miners around 25 (individuals) became trapped in an unauthorized rat hole coal mine near Kalamati area Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, due to flooding from a nearby river and so far, 9 (nine) miners have been identified. Out of which only 9 bodies have been recovered so far.

3) The incident resulted in multiple fatalities and brought attention to the rampant illegal mining operations in the district. Investigations revealed the involvement of local officials and politicians in these illicit activities, leading to arrests and a judicial inquiry. FIRs have been filed against the couple for violating bans on such mining practices.

4) There are reports of unauthorised timber cutting in the Krumngning Reserve Forest, Tungje- Herailo-Mahur area, Diyungbra-Panimur- Longkhu forest under, Mahur, Diyungbra, Panimur Range Forest Respectively. Illegal bamboo Cutting is also allegedly conducted under the CEM's directives in the Langting Mupa Reserved Forest (LMRF).

5) There are reports of Illegal & Unauthorised Saw Mill operating under CEM Debolal Gorlosa directives. In Diyungbra, Umrangsoo and Mahur. The CEM is accused of operating three illegal weighbridges at Diyungbra Tiniali, Umrangso 3 Kilo area, and Manderdisa, facilitating unauthorised mining activities.

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