Eviction Notices Issued in Nagaon: Residents Respond
Eviction Notices in Hati Chong Mouza
Raha, July 26: The Circle Officer for Nagaon Sadar has recently issued eviction notices targeting alleged encroachers in the Hati Chong area, instructing them to vacate the premises without delay.
According to a loose translation of the notice, it states, “This is to inform you that you have unlawfully occupied land designated as the Hati Chong grazing reserve by constructing residences and engaging in farming activities.”
The notice emphasized the urgency of vacating the encroached land, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action against the encroachers.
“You are hereby ordered to leave the land promptly; otherwise, legal measures will be initiated. No further notifications will be provided regarding this matter,” the notice specified.
An image of the eviction notice issued by the Nagaon Circle Officer for the Hati Chong area (AT Photo)
In response to the eviction notice, local residents contended that they had not forcibly taken over any land.
“No one has seized land by force. There were no official land documents. This was government land that changed ownership multiple times; someone sold it to me, and now it belongs to me,” a resident explained to reporters.
He pointed out that most of the inhabitants are locals.
“I have resided here since 1983. The majority of the people are either locals or from nearby villages. After the eviction, they will likely have to stay with relatives. Where else can they go?” he added.
Eviction notices have been issued for various locations in Nagaon (AT Photo)
Reports indicate that similar eviction notices have also been distributed for the Bogoriguri and Goroimari grazing reserves, as well as areas in Samaguri, including Khatowal mouza and Kachari Gaon.
In addition to Hati Chong mouza, eviction notices have been issued for Bogoriguri and Goroimari grazing reserves.
During his recent visit to Uriamghat, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that if Uriamghat is cleared, the government would have reclaimed 1.5 lakh bighas of land from encroachers.
However, he noted that voluntary evacuation would be preferable to forced removals. “Even if I remain Chief Minister indefinitely, I may not be able to reclaim all of Assam’s land due to the extent of encroachment,” he stated, urging the public to assist in reporting future encroachments.