Dhubri: Dhubri town was gripped by palpable tension on Wednesday, July 16, as hundreds of agitated residents, primarily from Ward No. 11, staged a fiery protest against the looming threat of eviction. The demonstration, a direct response to recent administrative directives, targeted land earmarked for a crucial link road connected to the ambitious Dhubri-Phulbari bridge project.
The air near the Maa-Kali temple reverberated with fervent chants of “BJP hai hai,” as a substantial gathering, notably comprising members of the local Hindu community—a traditional stronghold of the ruling BJP—voiced their distress. This unexpected show of dissent underscores the growing disquiet among the populace over the state’s aggressive land reclamation policies, even as it pushes forward with major infrastructural undertakings.
Families in the Bahadurtari area, staring at the grim prospect of their homes being razed, expressed profound shock and dismay over the absence of any formal communication or official notice regarding the evictions. The verbal nature of the warning, coupled with the rapid acceleration of the development drive, has triggered widespread panic among residents who have called this area home for generations. The proposed link road is considered indispensable for the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge project, a colossal endeavour poised to dramatically cut travel time across the Brahmaputra River and significantly boost regional connectivity.
Amidst the swirling unrest, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma firmly reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to continue eviction drives, asserting that these measures are vital to reclaim encroached land and safeguard the land rights of the indigenous “Khilonjiya” population. “We have taken this step for the future generations of Assam,” Sarma declared, emphasizing that these efforts are geared towards ensuring long-term development, an initiative he believes will be acknowledged and appreciated over time.
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