Eviction Drive in Assam: Clearing Forests, Displacing Lives

In Assam's Nagaon district, an eviction drive cleared encroachment from reserved forest land, affecting around 1,500 families. Despite notices given three months prior, some residents claimed ignorance of the land's status. Since June, over 5,000 families have been evicted, predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims.

An expansive eviction drive took place in Assam's Nagaon district on Saturday, aimed at removing encroachment from 795 hectares of reserved forest land. Nearly 1,500 families, who had inhabited the area, were forced to vacate. The operation began in Lutimari under significant security presence.

Authorities had issued eviction notices three months prior, granting an extension after residents requested additional time. Over 1,100 families voluntarily dismantled their homes, while others await demolition as the drive progresses. Many residents, who had been living there for decades, were unaware the land was classified as forest reserve.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that since his tenure began in May 2021, over 160 square kilometers have been cleared of illegal settlements. The majority of those displaced are Bengali-speaking Muslims, who claim their ancestors settled on the land after losing homes to erosion.

(With inputs from agencies.)