A major protest erupted in Assam’s Nagaon district as residents rallied against an eviction drive aimed at clearing encroached government land. The protestors, many of whom claim to have been living in the area for decades, argue that they have no alternative housing and accuse the government of targeting marginalized communities. The administration, however, maintains that the eviction drive is necessary to reclaim public land and facilitate development projects.
The Eviction Drive and Its Impact
The eviction drive in Dhing, Nagaon, began earlier this week as part of the Assam government’s broader effort to reclaim encroached lands across the state. Officials have stated that the reclaimed land will be used for setting up educational institutions and community infrastructure.
Residents, however, claim that the drive was carried out without adequate notice or rehabilitation plans. Many of the affected families are small-scale farmers or daily wage laborers who say they have nowhere else to go.
“We have been living here for over 20 years. Where will we go now? The government must provide us with an alternative before evicting us,” said a local resident.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Opposition parties, including the Congress and AIUDF, have criticized the eviction drive as being “inhumane” and “politically motivated.” Congress leader Debabrata Saikia accused the BJP government of targeting specific communities under the guise of development.
The state government, however, has defended its actions, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserting that the eviction drive is in line with the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward encroachments. “The land belongs to the state. Encroachment cannot be tolerated if we are to ensure development for all,” he stated.
The Way Forward
As protests intensify, civil society organizations have called for a more inclusive approach, urging the government to ensure that the rights and needs of displaced families are addressed. The situation remains tense, with the possibility of further clashes if a resolution is not reached soon.
