Guwahati: In a significant move to reclaim government land, authorities in Assam’s Morigaon district have initiated a large-scale eviction drive targeting around 1,500 families residing illegally on forest and railway lands. The affected area, located in Silbhanga village, Jagiroad, has become a focal point for the administration’s crackdown on encroachments. Almost all the evicted people are Bangladesh origin Muslims. Reports suggested that most of these people have their own land and properties in nearby areas. But they have willfully encroached on the government land for years.
District Commissioner Devashish Sarma confirmed that the eviction notice impacts approximately 10,000 individuals who have settled unlawfully on government property. The operation, which commenced on June 24, involves the use of bulldozers from the railway department to clear the encroached land. This action follows a notification mandating the clearance of the area within a week, underscoring the urgency and scale of the operation.
The administration, bolstered by a substantial police and paramilitary presence, is prepared to enforce the eviction order despite potential tensions in the region. Silbhanga in Jagiroad has long been contentious due to illegal constructions and alleged criminal activities reported in the area. Previous eviction attempts have met with resistance, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in reclaiming and maintaining control over the disputed land.
The encroachers were tried to prevent the eviction initially showing humanitarian grounds but authorities have served eviction notices to all 1500 families prior to the drive on June 24. The situation remains tense as authorities continue to implement the eviction with stringent measures, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb illegal settlements and restore government land.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law in addressing encroachments, signalling a firm stance against the illegal occupation of public lands despite the challenges posed by resistance and local sentiments. As the eviction operation unfolds, the district administration remains vigilant, coordinating efforts with law enforcement agencies to ensure the orderly removal of unauthorised structures and settlements in Silbhanga village, Jagiroad.
