Ongoing Eviction Drive in Uriamghat's Regma Forest Area
Eviction Operation Continues
Uriamghat, July 29: Officials announced that the extensive eviction operation in the Regma forest area near Uriamghat will persist for at least two additional days.
This initiative, which intensified on Tuesday morning, is part of a broader state effort to reclaim approximately 11,000 bighas of forest land from alleged illegal encroachments.
Chief Forest Conservator MK Yadava, present at the scene, stated that the operation is being executed in a systematic and phased manner to minimize disruption.
"The eviction process has been challenging, but we have a well-structured plan. Today, we focused on the designated area, and in the upcoming days, the operation will progress area by area. This strategy is designed to prevent unrest," he informed the media.
The Forest Department reported that the first day of the operation resulted in the demolition of nearly 200 small to medium-sized businesses and over 50 residential buildings, affecting around 4.2 hectares of encroached land.
To ensure public safety, a significant number of security personnel from various districts have been deployed in the vicinity. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhilesh Kumar Singh was observed supervising the operation.
While officials assert that the focus is solely on illegal encroachments, numerous residents have expressed concerns regarding perceived selective targeting and the lack of rehabilitation options.
"We have resided here for 40 years. The community includes Bodo, Assamese, Hindu, and Muslim individuals, yet it appears the authorities are only targeting us. If the government intends to evict us, they should at least provide alternative housing," stated Akbar Ali, who claims his family migrated from Morigaon decades ago.
Witnesses described emotional scenes as residents wept while watching their homes and businesses being demolished. Some expressed their grief, while others criticized the government's approach.
Bulldozers, supported by over 150 excavators, continued to operate in the area as officials identified additional settlements for demolition in the days ahead.
The Regma forest, located near the Assam–Nagaland border, has long been identified by authorities as a region plagued by unchecked encroachment and alleged anti-social activities.
This ongoing operation is part of the Assam government's larger initiative to reclaim encroached forest and government lands throughout the state.