Violent Eviction Drives in Assam Restart, Targeting Over 400 Families

Assam's Kamrup Metropolitan district resumed a controversial eviction drive, which had previously turned violent, resulting in two deaths and 40 injuries. Officials aim to clear 347 acres of 'encroached land' over the next 2-3 days. The drive has already impacted around 650 families, primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims.

In Assam's Kamrup Metropolitan district, a contentious eviction drive has resumed following an earlier violent confrontation, which left two people dead and 40 injured nearly two weeks ago. Authorities have indicated that the effort to clear over 347 acres of 'encroached land' will continue for another 2-3 days.

The operation restarted on Tuesday, leading to the demolition of nearly 340 houses in the tribal belt of Kachutali in Sonapur revenue circle. Sonapur Circle Officer Nitul Khataniar reported that 95% of the families had already vacated their homes after receiving eviction notices, leaving behind empty structures that were subsequently demolished.

The overall initiative, which began earlier this month, has affected approximately 650 families accused of encroaching on government land. Many of these families, primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims, had relocated to Sonapur from other districts decades ago due to land erosion. State officials maintain that the drive is necessary to clear tribal belts and blocks of alleged illegal settlers.