Intensifying Protests Erupt Over Proposed Land Acquisition in Dhubri
Protests Erupt in Alomganj Against Land Acquisition
Dhubri, July 6: In Alomganj, situated in the Gauripur area of Dhubri district, protests against a planned eviction drive have escalated. On Friday night, hundreds of residents gathered to vocally oppose the government's initiative to acquire land for a thermal power project as part of the 'Advantage Assam 2.0' program.
Sources indicate that the district administration is negotiating with the Rangamati Cooperative Society to obtain land within the Panbari revenue circle, specifically targeting Alomganj parts 7 and 8, along with Baghmara. This land is registered under the Rangamati Cooperative Society, which was founded in 1956 by Raja Prabhat Chandra Baruah of Gauripur, who transferred approximately 2,835 bighas of land to the Society following the end of the zamindari system.
The Rangamati Cooperative Society was established to promote agricultural development and included stakeholders from various local communities. However, over the years, the area has evolved into a densely populated residential community. Protesters contend that many current residents, including members of the Rabha and Garo communities in Baghmara, are legitimate stakeholders of the Society. Conversely, authorities assert that a considerable number of individuals in Alomganj Part 7 and 8 are illegal settlers who migrated from erosion-prone river areas and lack legal claims to the land.
Reports indicate that many of these settlers do not contribute taxes or revenue to the Society, despite occupying its land and utilizing its infrastructure. The Cooperative Society is expected to receive one-fifth of the agricultural produce from landholders, a rule that has reportedly not been enforced. Meanwhile, the Society continues to face annual land revenue obligations on its properties.
Late Friday night, a significant protest meeting took place in Alomganj Part 7, where residents from Alomganj Parts 7 and 8, along with Baghmara, vehemently opposed the government's actions and issued a strong warning against any eviction attempts. Chants of 'We don't want the project, stop the eviction, we will shed blood but not vacate our land!' resonated throughout the gathering, showcasing the deep-seated anger among the locals.
Residents assert that while the land is legally owned by the Cooperative Society, they have lived there for generations and will resist eviction by any means necessary. Reports suggest that similar land acquisition plans are being considered in Alomganj's Parts 1, 2, 4, and 5, with officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner, engaging in discussions with land pattadars in these regions.
In a tragic incident related to the ongoing unrest, 60-year-old Saher Ali, a resident of Alomganj's 5th sector, passed away from cardiac arrest shortly after attending the protest meeting. Locals believe that his death was induced by stress and anxiety over the potential eviction from approximately 20 bighas of land adjacent to his home.
The atmosphere in Alomganj remains tense, with residents pledging to persist in their resistance. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the future of the eviction drive.