Assam's Eviction Drive Clears Thousands from Forest Land

A major eviction drive in Assam's Nagaon district cleared encroachments from 795 hectares of land, displacing around 1,700 families. Despite prior notice, many residents were unaware their homes were on forest land. The eviction continues, affecting primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims displaced from their ancestral lands by river erosion.

In a significant move, Assam's Nagaon district launched a massive eviction drive on Saturday, aimed at clearing encroachments from 795 hectares of government and forest land. This operation has led to the displacement of approximately 1,700 families, with the process starting in the Lutimari area early morning amidst heavy security.

Despite receiving eviction notices three months ago, many residents, primarily from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community, claimed unawareness of the land's protected status. The district administration, led by District Commissioner Devashis Sarma, had extended the vacating deadline by an additional month, allowing over 1,100 families to leave before the demolition of their homes and structures.

The drive, which affects villages in the Greater Lutumari Forest Reserve, has been met with criticism as it predominantly displaced communities originally settled after losing land to Brahmaputra River erosion. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that since May 2021, such actions have cleared over 160 sq km, affecting over 50,000 individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)