Lakhimpur: A significant eviction drive commenced in Assam’s Lakhimpur district on Thursday, aiming to reclaim approximately 235 bighas (almost 78 acres) of land allegedly under encroachment. The operation has reportedly impacted around 220 families.
District Commissioner Pronab Jit Kakoty stated that the administration initiated the drive in four locations, including three Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs), after adhering to proper protocols. He confirmed that notices were served to the affected families on June 29, requesting them to furnish land ownership documents. “They failed to show any papers, so we’ve proceeded with the eviction,” Kakoty asserted.
The eviction is being carried out with a robust deployment of approximately 400 security personnel and 21 bulldozers and excavators across Debera Doloni, Siringsuk, Dhakuakhonia, and Raang Chali. Kakoty indicated that the operation, targeting 218 families occupying the specified 235 bighas, is expected to conclude within hours, reporting no disturbances so far.
Among the 218 families, 25 are identified as belonging to indigenous communities, with the remaining being Bengali-speaking Muslims. An official confirmed that the government plans to reallocate land to the 25 indigenous families. This eviction also comes on the heels of recent arrests in Dhakuakhonia on June 18, where seven individuals were apprehended after the discovery of three suspected cow skulls near a Namghar. Furthermore, around 80 people have been arrested across Dhubri, Hojai, Goalpara, and Lakhimpur districts for allegedly throwing suspected beef parts during the recent Eid festival.
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