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Eviction Process Initiated in Nonke Japoriguri

Biswanath, August 17: The district administration of Biswanath began an eviction operation on Sunday, targeting 175 bighas of government grazing land in Nonke Japoriguri, which has been reportedly occupied without proper authorization.

Approximately 307 families are impacted as the administration utilized 20 excavators and 10 bulldozers to dismantle structures in the area.

To maintain order during the operation, the site was divided into four zones, and over 1,000 police personnel were deployed.

Following eviction notices issued on August 1, many families had already begun dismantling their homes and relocating their belongings.

Several individuals who were evicted claimed they had settled in Nonke Japoriguri after being displaced from flood and erosion-affected areas like Balidubi, purchasing land at nominal prices nearly 40 to 45 years ago.

Eviction in progress at Japoriguri. (Photo Credit)

One evictee, visibly upset, shared, “We originally lived in Balidubi, but due to severe soil erosion, we lost our homes and relocated here about 40 years ago. We understand this is government land and are cooperating with the eviction, but we are now homeless and hope the government will assist us with rehabilitation.”

He further mentioned that purchasing land has become unaffordable, stating, “We could buy land here 40 years ago, but now even a small plot costs around Rs 5 lakh.”

Others voiced their worries about their immediate future, with one resident lamenting, “My family will have to sleep on the streets tonight. We stayed at a friend's house during the storm yesterday, but now we have to sleep under the open sky.”

Although no specific rehabilitation plans have been disclosed, the affected families remain hopeful that their requests for assistance will be addressed.

The eviction notice also included directives for the removal of a mosque and a burial ground reportedly situated within the encroached area.