Villagers Evacuate Homes as Assam's Deadline for Clearing Encroached Land Expires
In Kochutoli village, located in Assam's Kamrup (Metropolitan) district, a significant number of families have started vacating their homes as the deadline to clear "encroached land" expired on Monday, September 16, 2024. This eviction drive has been marked by violence and tension, leading to a chaotic situation for the residents
Officials reported that the villagers were seen leaving with their belongings, including livestock, in vans. Many of these individuals have been labeled as "illegal settlers" in the tribal belt of the region. The eviction notices were issued to those occupying government land illegally, and officials warned that stringent action would be taken against anyone who remained after the deadline
The situation escalated earlier this month when a team from the Sonapur Circle office and police attempted to evict Bengali-speaking Muslim villagers who had previously been removed from the same land but returned. On September 12, during this eviction attempt, violence erupted as villagers reportedly attacked officials and police with sharp weapons, sticks, and stones. Tragically, two villagers lost their lives in the clashes, and over 35 others, including 22 government officials and police personnel, sustained injuries. In response to the violence, police opened fire to disperse the crowd
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that laws regarding tribal belts and blocks have been in place since 1950 and emphasized that the eviction drive aims to clear these areas of encroachments by individuals he described as "doubtful illegal settlers." He accused opposition parties, particularly Congress, of instigating violence during the eviction process. The Chief Minister asserted that the state government is committed to clearing encroachments from tribal lands and ensuring that only those eligible under existing laws reside there
The Director General of Police (DGP), G.P. Singh, visited Kochutoli village following the violence and indicated that there may have been a conspiracy behind the attacks on police personnel. He noted that prior to the eviction drive, announcements were made for several days urging residents to vacate the area peacefully
As families began their exodus from Kochutoli village, many were reportedly returning to their original homes in other districts such as Darrang, Morigaon, and Barpeta. Some villagers expressed despair over their situation, stating they had no choice but to leave their homes after years of settlement
The eviction drive is part of a broader initiative by the Assam government to address illegal encroachments across various districts. Since coming to power in 2016, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has conducted multiple eviction drives aimed at reclaiming government land. These drives have often resulted in violent confrontations between authorities and residents
In recent years, Assam has witnessed significant tensions surrounding land rights and encroachments. The state's complex demographic landscape has led to disputes over land ownership and usage rights among different communities. The ongoing eviction efforts are seen by some as necessary for protecting tribal lands while others view them as an infringement on the rights of marginalized communities
As tensions remain high in Kochutoli village following this latest eviction drive, local authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely. The government's approach to handling encroachments will likely remain a contentious issue as various stakeholders engage in discussions about land rights, rehabilitation for displaced families, and maintaining peace within affected communities.
