Mass Eviction Drive in Biswanath District Targets Encroachments

In a significant eviction operation in Biswanath district, authorities targeted alleged encroachments on government land, affecting over 664 families. The drive, which began early Sunday morning, faced resistance from residents who have lived in the area for decades. Many expressed their distress over the sudden enforcement of land laws and the lack of response to their requests for land pattas. The operation was marked by heavy police presence and the arrest of local student leaders suspected of inciting unrest. As tensions rise, the community grapples with the implications of the eviction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 13:06 IST

Eviction Operation in Baghmari

On Sunday morning, the Biswanath district administration initiated a significant eviction operation in Baghmari, aimed at removing alleged encroachments from government land.

The operation commenced at 6 AM, supported by a heavy police presence, with over 17 bulldozers and multiple excavators deployed for the task.

According to officials, this action followed eviction notices issued in August to 732 families accused of occupying 265 bighas of Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land, specifically under Plot Nos. 203 and 189.

Previous attempts to carry out the eviction had been delayed due to stay orders from the Gauhati High Court.

However, the operation proceeded on Sunday after only 68 families received relief from the court, leaving 664 households to be cleared.

Residents expressed their discontent with the eviction, asserting that they had lived in the area for many years and questioning the abrupt enforcement of land regulations.

Many claimed that their repeated requests for land pattas to local authorities had gone unanswered.

One evicted resident, Alapuddin, became emotional as his home was demolished, alleging that the administration was preventing residents from approaching their properties.

"This is the last time I will see my house, but they are not allowing us to get close. I was born here, my parents passed away here, and I grew old here. We don’t understand what land they are referring to," he lamented.

He further mentioned that despite numerous appeals, his family had never been granted land pattas, and there are 13 members in his household.

Local resident Diganta Saikia confirmed the extensive nature of the operation, stating that comprehensive security measures had been implemented.

"According to official records, 265 bighas of land under Plot No. 203 is being cleared today, affecting 664 families. Previous attempts on August 18, September, and October were halted due to court orders. Today, the eviction has finally commenced," he noted.

Tension was palpable in the area throughout the operation, with police maintaining strict surveillance.

On the previous night, three leaders from the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AMSU) were reportedly arrested by Biswanath Police around midnight.

The arrested individuals were identified as Hussain Sikdaar, president of the AMSU Biswanath unit, Fakir Ali, assistant general secretary, and another leader from Behali.

Police sources indicated that the arrests were made on suspicions that the leaders were attempting to incite unrest in areas where the eviction was taking place.