Congress Urges Governor to Address Eviction Issues in Assam
Concerns Over Evictions in Assam
Guwahati, July 6: The State Congress has raised alarms regarding the eviction actions taken by the government across various regions, claiming that these measures have adversely impacted numerous communities, including the indigenous Bodos, Karbi, Garo, and Ahom groups, as well as Assamese Hindus and minority Muslim populations. They have formally requested intervention from Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
In their memorandum, the Congress party expressed that "the displacement of communities is eroding constitutional values, as vulnerable individuals are being forced off their lands."
They highlighted several eviction cases, asserting that there exists a standard operating procedure (SOP) that should be adhered to prior to such actions. "This protocol has been completely disregarded by the government," they stated.
The Congress party contended that these eviction actions violate multiple legal frameworks, including the Forest Rights Act of 2006, the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 (PESA 1996), and the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation of 1886, among others. They also pointed out that these actions undermine Article 21 (Right to life and livelihood) and the provisions of Schedule VI of the Indian Constitution, as well as significant Supreme Court rulings in the Olga Tellis and Haldwani cases.
They are calling for an immediate cessation of the current and planned eviction initiatives that impact indigenous, tribal, and erosion-displaced communities. The Opposition party is also demanding the establishment of an independent inquiry commission to investigate all evictions carried out since 2022, particularly in Sixth Schedule districts and Tribal Belt/Block areas.
Furthermore, the Congress has requested a thorough land rights regularization policy that differentiates long-term indigenous residents from opportunistic encroachers.
They urged the Governor to ensure that legal and humane rehabilitation measures are implemented, aligning with constitutional ethics and India's commitments under the UN Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
"The citizens of Assam, especially its tribal populations, erosion-displaced individuals, and indigenous communities, look to your office as the constitutional guardian of the State. These eviction actions, carried out in the name of 'development' without proper process or consent, jeopardize the very rights that the Constitution aims to protect," the memorandum concluded.