The Assam government is preparing to launch one of its most significant eviction operations in recent memory, aimed at alleged encroachments on over 10,000 bighas (approximately 3,300 acres) of forest land in Golaghat district. This initiative is set to start on Tuesday and is expected to impact at least 2,000 families living in and around the Rengma Reserve Forest, located in the Sarupathar sub-division along the Assam-Nagaland border.
Forest Department officials report that the land in question encompasses 30 villages where forest areas have been converted into agricultural fields. To facilitate the eviction process, the authorities have organized the area into nine sectors. They are currently conducting surveys to finalize the extent of the encroachment.
District officials indicated that eviction notices were issued a week prior to the operation, prompting many families in areas like Chilanijan, Kherbari, and Dayalpur to begin vacating their residences. A considerable number of those affected are reportedly from Assam’s Nagaon, Morigaon, and Sonitpur districts, with many belonging to minority communities.
To ensure the operation runs smoothly, a senior police officer from state headquarters has been assigned to maintain law and order in the region. Security measures have been heightened, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed to assist local police forces.
The eviction operation follows Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Uriamghat on July 25, during which he assessed the situation. He stated that nearly 70 percent of encroachers had left voluntarily. Sarma added that the individuals occupying the forest land include settlers from districts such as Cachar, Dhubri, Barpeta, and Hojai, as well as migrants from West Bengal and Bihar.
In the last four years, Assam’s anti-encroachment efforts have resulted in the clearance of over 1.29 lakh bighas (around 42,500 acres) of land. Nevertheless, Sarma also noted that approximately 29 lakh bighas (over 9.5 lakh acres) continue to be under encroachment across the state.
As tensions escalate along the interstate boundary, the Nagaland government has issued an advisory to its bordering districts, urging them to remain vigilant and prevent any influx of displaced individuals during or after the eviction process.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/assam/major-eviction-drive-in-assams-golaghat-to-affect-over-2000-families/29815/
Category: Assam,Assam government,eviction drive,Families,Golaghat
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Publish Date: 2025-07-28 20:26:00
