Assam: Controversy erupts over area renaming in Guwahati, 'Lakhimijan' becomes 'Miyajan'

A controversy has erupted in Guwahati's Hatigaon area over the renaming of local area, stirring tension between civic bodies and local residents. 

The dispute began after the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) removed a signboard on Tuesday, October 15 following a complaint from the Dakshin Janakpur Nagarik Samity. The issue centers around the area known as Lakhimijan, which some claim has been unofficially renamed as "Miajan" by certain locals.

The removal of the signboard has fueled allegations from the Janakpur civic body, which accused individuals of conspiring to alter the name of the area to Miajan. According to residents of the Miajan locality, the name has historical roots, derived from Miajan Ali, a person from whom the area allegedly took its name. Locals also argue that the signboard, which the GMC recently took down, was initially installed by the municipal corporation itself, reinforcing the name’s longstanding usage.

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The controversy traces back to a letter written by the Janakpur civic body to the Mayor of the GMC, through the Councillor of GMC Ward No-41, raising concerns about the naming of the watercourse known as Lakhimijan. This small water diversion flows from the Bahini River across Beltola, passing through several localities before reaching a point opposite the Kali Mandir at Dispur. It then moves southward into Lakhimi Nagar at Hatigaon, near the Lakhimi Nagar Tiniali traffic point, serving as a significant drainage channel in the area.

However, confusion arose when the watercourse reached Sijubari Panchali, where it had come to be referred to as "Miajaan" by some locals. This unofficial renaming caused misunderstandings among various agencies, including the local administration, who found themselves at odds over the area’s correct designation.

The Dakshin Janakpur Nagarik Samity urged the GMC to intervene, stressing the need for immeidate action to clarify the water body’s name and resolve the dispute.