North Lakhimpur (Assam): The district administration in Assam’s Lakhimpur launched a large-scale eviction operation on Thursday, reclaiming nearly 78 acres (approximately 235 bighas) of public land allegedly under encroachment.
The drive, which affected around 220 families, was carried out across four locations under tight security.
District Commissioner Pronab Jit Kakoty said the action followed due legal procedures, with eviction notices served on June 29 to the occupants.
“We had asked them to provide documents proving their claim over the land. As none could furnish valid papers, the eviction process was initiated today,” Kakoty stated.
The operation covered areas including Debera Doloni, Siringsuk, Dhakuakhonia, and Raang Chali—three of which are Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs).
The administration deployed 21 bulldozers and excavators, backed by nearly 400 security personnel, to execute the drive without reported resistance.
Of the 218 families affected, officials said 25 belong to indigenous communities while the rest are Bengali-speaking Muslims.
Authorities confirmed that arrangements are being made to relocate the indigenous families to alternative land.
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This eviction comes amid recent tensions in the region. On June 18, seven people were arrested following the discovery of three suspected cow skulls near a Namghar in Dhakuakhonia, one of the eviction sites.
In related incidents, nearly 80 individuals were arrested in various districts—including Lakhimpur—during investigations into alleged communal provocations following Eid celebrations, where suspected beef parts were reportedly thrown in sensitive locations.
