Massive Eviction in Assam Clears Alleged Encroachments Amid Controversy

In a significant operation, the Assam government has completed the first phase of evicting encroachments from nearly 11,000 bighas of forest land in Golaghat district. The five-day drive displaced around 1,500 families, predominantly from the Muslim community, raising questions of legitimacy and historical settlements.

Officials report that over 4,000 unauthorised structures were removed from the Rengma Reserve Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border, reclaiming around 8,900 bighas of land. Despite the assertion of encroachment, the presence of government amenities points to longstanding occupation.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma maintains that the eviction drives target suspected foreigners, not indigenous people, underlining the state's stance on contested land. The operation, supported by extensive security arrangements, is part of broader efforts to enhance ecological and administrative stability in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)