Political Tensions Rise Over Evictions in Assam's Dhubri District
BJP Criticizes Akhil Gogoi's Visit to Eviction Site
Guwahati, July 8: On Tuesday, the state BJP expressed strong disapproval of Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi's visit to an eviction site in Dhubri, accusing him of aligning with 'suspicious individuals' at the expense of the indigenous population's interests.
Dilip Saikia, the president of the state BJP, condemned Gogoi's presence, stating, “Both the Congress leadership and Akhil Gogoi have gone too far in their attempts to appease these individuals, neglecting the needs of the indigenous community.”
This criticism followed Gogoi's visit to the site where the state government had cleared approximately 3,000 bighas of land, which was allegedly encroached upon, in areas designated for the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and subsequently allocated to the Adani Group.
The land is part of a larger 3,500 bigha area approved for future industrial development.
Law and Justice Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass defended the eviction operation, asserting that the government was acting within legal parameters.
“The law is being upheld. Following Advantage Assam 2.0, we require land to advance industrialization,” Dass remarked.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had also criticized the Congress for politicizing the evictions and claimed they were protecting what he referred to as 'Bangladesh nationals.'
“No force can prevent us from reclaiming the land. The Congress is not prioritizing the indigenous people but rather those who have encroached on government property,” the Chief Minister stated.
In the meantime, Akhil Gogoi, while addressing displaced residents in Chapor, urged them to avoid violence and promised to request the Chief Minister to allocate 500 bighas for their rehabilitation. He was later detained by police following unrest after his departure.
Before his arrest, Gogoi told reporters, “This eviction is illegal and unconstitutional. The matter is currently under consideration in the Gauhati High Court, which has already issued three stay orders. Nevertheless, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government is proceeding unlawfully. This is an act of bullying and targeted aggression against minorities.”
Officials estimate that the eviction will affect between 1,200 and 1,400 families. The state has designated 300 bighas at Baizar Alga in Athani circle for temporary rehabilitation, and Rs 50,000 per household has been allocated for those who leave voluntarily.
As political tensions escalate, the evictions in Dhubri are becoming a significant focal point in Assam's ongoing discussions regarding land rights, citizenship, and the rights of indigenous peoples.