Dhubri, Assam: Tensions escalated dramatically on Tuesday in Assam’s Dhubri district as a large-scale eviction drive saw alleged encroachers engaging in violent clashes with police and damaging government property. The operation, aimed at clearing land for a significant thermal power project, descended into chaos when a mob reportedly attacked two excavators with sticks and bricks and attempted to assault security personnel, leading to a police baton charge to disperse the crowd. Thankfully, no police personnel sustained injuries in the melee.
The contentious eviction was undertaken in Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur villages within the Chapar Revenue Circle. Officials estimate that 1,069 families were residing on approximately 3,000 bighas of government land, which is now being reclaimed for a proposed 3,400 MW thermal power project by the Adani Group, slated for development under the Assam Power Development Corporation Limited (APDCL).
According to district officials, a significant majority – around 95% – of the families had voluntarily vacated their homes following Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to the area last month. However, a segment of the population resisted the eviction, attempting to disrupt the operation. A senior district official confirmed that the situation was eventually brought under control.
Protesters, predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims, voiced grievances over what they described as inadequate compensation and forced eviction. While the government has pledged ₹50,000 in one-time assistance and temporary rehabilitation on 300 bighas at Baizar Alga, many affected families assert they are yet to receive any support.
In a related development, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, who attempted to visit the affected families, was reportedly stopped by police and detained at Chapar Police Station, as per party sources. His detention has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse the government of suppressing dissent.
Officials clarified that families holding valid land pattas would be eligible for compensation through a proper acquisition process. However, the eviction was deemed necessary to facilitate the mega power project. The government has reportedly earmarked over 4,000 bighas across Dhubri and Goalpara, potentially impacting 2,500 families, as part of its wider anti-encroachment drive. Meanwhile, local residents claim that the situation remains tense, with intermittent protests continuing throughout the day, underscoring the escalating unrest surrounding land rights, displacement, and development in the region.
Read More: Assam: Dhubri District Sees Massive Eviction Drive Amidst Protests