28/02/2026
Official Protest Statement | Students and Youth Council (SYC)
We, the Students and Youth Council (SYC), representing the voice of the youth and concerned citizens, strongly and unequivocally condemn the continued illegal coal mining activities taking place in various parts of Karbi Anglong, Assam. Today, we raise our collective voice not only as an organisation but as guardians of our land, our environment, and the future of coming generations.
Illegal coal mining has become one of the most serious challenges facing our district. These unlawful activities are destroying hills, cutting down forests, contaminating rivers, and severely disturbing the fragile ecological balance that sustains life in our region. Karbi Anglong, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, is now facing continuous environmental degradation due to reckless and unregulated extraction of natural resources.
The impact of illegal mining goes far beyond environmental damage. Local communities are suffering from polluted water sources, damaged agricultural land, and increased risks of landslides and environmental disasters. The long-term consequences threaten food security, public health, and the livelihood of countless families who depend on nature for survival. What should have been preserved as a shared heritage is being exploited for short-term personal gain by illegal mining mafias.
We are deeply alarmed by the unsafe and inhumane working conditions under which many labourers are forced to operate. Without proper safety standards, legal protection, or monitoring, workers are exposed to life-threatening risks every day. Any tragedy resulting from such illegal activities will not only be a loss to families but also a failure of collective responsibility.
The continued existence of illegal coal mining also weakens the rule of law and undermines public trust in governance. When illegal activities operate openly, it creates fear among citizens and sends a dangerous message that exploitation can continue without accountability. The youth of Karbi Anglong refuse to accept a future where lawlessness prevails over justice.
We strongly question how these activities continue despite laws, regulations, and repeated public appeals. The silence and delay in taking decisive action have only encouraged the expansion of illegal operations. The time for observation has passed — the time for firm and visible action has arrived.
Therefore, the Students and Youth Council (SYC) places the following strong demands before the competent authorities:
• Immediate and complete shutdown of all illegal coal mining activities across Karbi Anglong.
• Deployment of strict enforcement measures and regular monitoring in mining-prone areas.
• Identification and prosecution of all individuals, groups, and networks involved in illegal mining operations.
• Protection of workers’ rights and prevention of exploitation under unsafe conditions.
• Restoration and rehabilitation of environmentally damaged areas.
• Transparent governance and community participation in protecting natural resources.
We firmly believe that development must be lawful, sustainable, and people-centric. True progress cannot be built upon environmental destruction and exploitation. The youth of Karbi Anglong stand united to defend our land, our identity, and our natural heritage.
This protest is peaceful, democratic, and driven by responsibility towards our society. However, let it be clearly understood that we will continue to raise our voice through every lawful and constitutional means until illegal coal mining is completely stopped and justice is ensured.
✊ Enough is Enough.
No More Destruction of Our Land.
Stop Illegal Coal Mining Now.
Save Karbi Anglong — Save Our Future.
