Assam Government to Initiate Eviction Drive in Barak Valley

Eviction Drive Announcement in Assam

Guwahati, July 24: Assam's Minister for Public Works (Roads), Krishnendu Paul, revealed on Thursday that the state government is preparing to commence an eviction campaign in Sribhumi, which will also cover the Barak Valley area.

During a press briefing, Paul stated, “Eviction operations will soon take place in Sribhumi and various locations throughout the Barak Valley where illegal occupants have taken over land.”

The Minister highlighted that encroachments are particularly prevalent in the reserve forest regions of Sribhumi, notably in Pataria and Dohaliya.

He accused the settlers of intentionally occupying forest land to alter the demographic makeup of the area.

Paul emphasized that the government would enforce strict measures, asserting that “no leniency will be shown to violators.”

This announcement is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal land occupation across Assam.

On July 23, the Silchar Municipal Corporation conducted eviction drives for the third consecutive day in various parts of the Barak Valley, as reported by officials.

The state administration has ramped up its efforts in recent months, focusing on what it terms illegal infiltrators and unauthorized settlers in multiple districts.

On July 15, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided insights into the state's anti-encroachment initiatives, stating that over 1,19,548 bighas (around 160 sq km) of land have been reclaimed from alleged illegal settlers in the last four years (2021-2026).

As preparations for further eviction actions continue, the Barak Valley is poised to become a key area in Assam's land reclamation strategy.