The Assam government is preparing for yet another Assam eviction drive, this time in the Darrang district. As per officials, over 1,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage the situation on the ground. The upcoming drive in Sipajhar is likely to affect nearly 2,000 families residing on government land, marking one of the largest eviction operations in recent months.
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Massive Deployment in Sipajhar for Eviction
Authorities have confirmed that more than 1,000 police officers, including paramilitary personnel, have arrived in the Sipajhar area. Their primary objective is to ensure a peaceful and controlled eviction process. The area in question spans nearly 1,500 bighas of land along the banks of the Brahmaputra river.
This region has witnessed similar eviction efforts in the past. However, this operation is on a much larger scale. The administration has already conducted surveys, marked structures for demolition, and issued notices to the families concerned.
Officials have stated that the Assam eviction drive will begin once the situation on the ground is secure. The authorities are on high alert, fearing resistance or protests from the affected people. Previous eviction drives in the region had resulted in clashes between residents and law enforcement, making security a top priority.
2,000 Families at Risk in Assam Eviction Drive
Around 2,000 families are expected to lose their homes in this phase of eviction. Most of these residents are said to have settled here over the last decade. While some claim to possess informal documents and land receipts, the government maintains that the land belongs to the state and falls under forest and revenue categories.
This wave of evictions has sparked anxiety among the locals. Several families have started vacating their homes voluntarily, while others are appealing for more time or rehabilitation. However, government sources have clarified that no compensation or relocation plans have been finalized for this batch of evictions.
Human rights groups and local activists have raised concerns over the lack of rehabilitation policies. Many have accused the administration of carrying out the Assam eviction drive without providing basic alternatives like temporary shelters or schooling arrangements for children.
Political Tension and Community Impact
The upcoming eviction has also ignited political debate. Opposition leaders have accused the state government of targeting specific communities under the guise of clearing encroachments. They have demanded a fair hearing for the affected families and urged for a more humane approach.
Despite criticism, the state administration argues that it is implementing High Court orders and acting in the interest of protecting government land. Officials added that the encroachments have prevented developmental works and posed ecological threats to riverbank areas.
The region of Sipajhar had made headlines in 2021 during a similar eviction operation, which led to a violent face-off between villagers and police. This time, the government appears to be better prepared, deploying forces in advance and carrying out awareness drives to prevent any flare-ups.
Previous Evictions Set the Tone
Assam has seen a string of eviction drives over the past two years, especially in districts like Hojai, Lakhimpur, and Nagaon. These drives are part of the state’s larger policy to reclaim land from what it terms as “illegal settlers.”
According to government data, over 5,000 hectares of land have been cleared in recent years. These lands are either being developed for public infrastructure or reserved for forest conservation. However, the socio-political cost of such drives has remained a matter of debate.
The Assam eviction drive in Darrang is expected to set a precedent for similar actions planned in other districts. Officials believe that demonstrating strength and preparation this time will help the government complete the task without significant resistance.
Tense Days Ahead in Sipajhar
For the 2,000 families in Sipajhar, the next few days are crucial. Many are unsure where they will go once their houses are razed. Local NGOs have stepped in to offer legal support, but the situation remains tense.
Police sources say that the eviction is likely to begin within the next 48 hours, depending on ground-level assessments. Authorities have advised residents to cooperate to avoid confrontations.
As the Assam eviction drive enters its next phase, the spotlight remains on the balance between governance and human rights. Whether the operation unfolds peacefully or triggers fresh unrest will soon become clear.
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