Biswanath, Mar 9: As Assam experiences heightened election activity, the state government commenced an eviction operation in Sootea on Monday.
The district administration of Biswanath executed the eviction at three sites in Sootea, citing illegal encroachments on Village Grazing Reserve land.
This operation targeted 65 families accused of occupying the disputed land, including 34 families in Milanpur, 16 in Soraijonia, and 15 in Solahola.
According to the Circle Officer of Naduar, "Three locations are set for eviction today, involving approximately 70 to 75 bighas of land, and the process will conclude today."
To ensure the operation's safety, around 200 personnel from local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in the area.
Additionally, bulldozers and excavators were brought in to dismantle the encroached structures as part of the eviction effort.
Officials reported that many families had already vacated the land prior to the start of the eviction. The Circle Officer noted that the operation is proceeding smoothly with the residents' cooperation.
“The community is working with us. Most had left their properties before the eviction began,” the officer stated.
Previously, on December 25, the Biswanath district administration conducted a significant eviction operation at Baghmari, targeting alleged encroachments on government land.
This earlier operation was marked by heavy police presence, with over 17 bulldozers and multiple excavators utilized.
Officials indicated that this drive followed eviction notices sent in August to 732 families accused of occupying 265 bighas of Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land under specific plot numbers.
In a related development, following a Supreme Court ruling in February affirming the Assam government’s right to evict encroachments from forest land, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the decision as a significant step that would enhance clarity and efficiency in ongoing eviction efforts.
The Chief Minister confirmed that the government would adhere to the Supreme Court's directive to form a committee prior to executing evictions.
