Dhubri: In a significant development, ITC Limited has sold the historic match factory land in Dhubri, Assam, which has been inactive since 1997, to M/s Kamrup Ice and Cold Storage Co. for a whopping sum of Rs 74.25 crore. The sale has sparked protests among the local community who are determined to preserve the heritage and revive the industry, raising concerns about the fate of this iconic establishment.
ITC Limited, a renowned conglomerate, confirmed the sale of 110 bighas of land from the Match Factory to M/s Kamrup Ice and Cold Storage Co., represented by its partner Rohit Kumar Deorah from Guwahati. The transaction, amounting to Rs 74,25,92,000/-, was officially registered at the office of the Senior Sub Registrar in Dhubri on May 23, 2023.
The land, meticulously divided into five parts, was sold to the Guwahati-based company, which operates from the 6th Floor, Exotica Greens Commercial Complex, 191, R.G. Baruah Road, Guwahati.
Established in 1925 by a Swedish company and later acquired by ITC in 2001, the match factory holds immense historical significance and has been a source of pride for the region. Renowned brands such as LOTA and BULLOCK CART were produced here, and it became the first industry in Assam to commemorate Labour Day in 1935. Employing over 3,000 workers at its peak, the factory played a vital role in providing employment opportunities.
Unfortunately, the factory had to halt operations in 1997 due to a Supreme Court ban on tree felling in forest areas. Since then, the factory has remained abandoned and neglected. Local residents had hoped that ITC would take steps to develop the area and establish a new industry, but after more than two decades of acquiring the land, ITC has not taken any action, leading to mounting frustration among the community.
The local community became aware of the land sale when a team of four individuals arrived to measure the factory land. Led by the WIMCO Bachao Committee, locals prevented them from conducting measurements and staged a protest at the factory gate. Allegations arose that the land was secretly divided into five parts and sold without public knowledge or consent.
Protesters are demanding immediate intervention from the state and central governments to revive the historic match factory or establish a new industry on the premises. They have been tirelessly submitting memorandums to various ministers, leaders, and officials from different departments, urging them to save the land and the factory, which holds immense cultural and historical significance.
The protesters have expressed their unwavering determination to protect the land and the factory from being sold off, even vowing to make significant sacrifices if necessary. They firmly believe that the factory not only provided livelihoods but also represents their culture and history. They stand united in their resolve to prevent anyone from dismantling their heritage and compromising their dignity.
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