Assam's Eviction Wave: Clearing the Ground Amid Controversy

Approximately 100 families were displaced as the Assam government conducted an eviction drive on government land in Nagaon district. Led by District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, the operation cleared 38 bighas of encroached land. The government plans to continue eviction efforts, primarily affecting the Bengali-speaking Muslim community, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The Assam government uprooted about 100 families in an eviction drive in Nagaon's Bhakatgaon, clearing alleged encroachments on 38 bighas of government land. Carried out on Friday, the operation saw officials reclaim nearly 13 acres occupied since the 1990s, according to District Commissioner Devashish Sharma.

Following eviction notices issued two weeks prior, most families vacated voluntarily, with the remaining being ousted during the drive. Sharma stated the district administration aims to pursue further evictions to reclaim public lands, targeting areas like Salanibari and Ahom Gaon next.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's government, in power since 2021, has escalated eviction activities, impacting mainly Bengali-speaking Muslims. The term 'Miya,' often seen as derogatory, has been co-opted by activists as a mark of resistance amidst rising tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)