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Eviction Drive Turns Chaotic

Dhubri, July 8: An eviction operation aimed at clearing 3,000 bighas of land across three villages in Assam's Dhubri district escalated into violence on Tuesday, as clashes broke out between evictees and law enforcement in the Chapor region.

The operation commenced early in the morning in the villages of Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur, targeting alleged encroachments for a thermal power project proposed by the Adani Group.

As heavy machinery arrived, a large number of locals protested, many of whom were armed with stones, bamboo sticks, and iron rods.

Tensions heightened rapidly when protesters reportedly attacked security forces and vandalized at least three excavators.

Reports indicate that a mosque in Santoshpur was demolished during the operation, leading to widespread protests and road blockades by local residents.

Police Intervention Required

Security personnel at the site of a demolished mosque in Dhubri. (Photo)

The situation at the eviction site became increasingly tense, prompting law enforcement to intervene swiftly.

Police, under the leadership of Dhubri Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Leena Doley, resorted to a lathi charge to restore order.

Officials stated that the land being cleared has been allocated to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for subsequent transfer to the Adani Group. Out of the 3,500 bighas sanctioned, approximately 3,000 bighas are currently occupied by around 1,200 to 1,400 families.

Voices of the Evictees

A visibly upset woman among the evictees expressed her despair, stating, "Why is the government doing this to us? Are we not human beings? We live here in harmony—Hindus and Muslims together. The Chief Minister is trying to divide us. We were up all night fearing our homes would be destroyed."

Another evictee criticized the ruling BJP government for exacerbating the struggles of the poor: "The Congress never did this. The BJP has only brought misery. Where will the poor go? We have no food, no shelter."

Locals highlighted that they have nowhere to go given they have no means to live or sustain. (Photo)

Political Reactions and Developments

In a related incident, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi was detained by police while present at one of the eviction sites.

Initially, the administration had prevented him from entering the area. However, complying with police requests, Gogoi maintained a distance while engaging with locals.

He urged the displaced residents to avoid violence and promised to advocate for the allocation of 500 bighas of land for them.

After the Superintendent of Police requested his departure, Gogoi left the area, but unrest soon followed, leading to his detention.

Before his arrest, Gogoi stated to the media that the eviction drive is illegal and unconstitutional.

"The matter is sub judice in the Gauhati High Court, which has already issued three stay orders. Yet, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government continues the drive unlawfully. This is nothing but bullying and hostility towards minorities," he remarked.

Earlier on Monday, a senior district official confirmed that 300 bighas at Baizar Alga in the Athani circle had been designated for the temporary rehabilitation of affected families.

"We’ve also sanctioned Rs 50,000 each to the evictees, and many have already received the amount before voluntarily vacating their land," the official added.

The administration also clarified that families holding permanent land titles (pattas) in the three affected villages would be compensated through a formal land acquisition process, in accordance with government regulations.

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