Protests Erupt in Guwahati Over Land Rights and Compensation
Residents Demand Justice in Guwahati
Guwahati, Aug 1: Residents displaced from the Silsako region in Guwahati organized new protests on Friday, calling for adequate compensation and swift resettlement. These individuals, who were evicted three years ago during a significant operation, accused the Assam government of failing to uphold promises and discriminating against them, asserting their rights as indigenous people of the state.
Chanting slogans and displaying placards, the demonstrators expressed their frustration over the neglect of their rehabilitation process, contrasting their situation with families displaced in regions such as Kaziranga, Garukhuti, Goalpara, and Darrang, who received land and resettlement assistance.
“Why haven’t we been provided with alternative arrangements like those in Kaziranga or Goalpara? We are indigenous too. It has been three years since our eviction, and we are still fighting for our rights,” stated one protestor.
Many participants voiced concerns regarding the insufficient compensation offered by the government.
“Can Rs 10 lakh truly rebuild an RCC house or Rs 5 lakh an Assam-type house? Absolutely not. We requested Rs 25 lakh, Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 5 lakh based on the type of house, but our pleas were ignored. We seek land in exchange for what we lost, not just money,” explained a female protestor.
Another protestor highlighted the contradiction in the Chief Minister’s recent remarks.
“Just yesterday, the CM stated that indigenous people of Assam would not face eviction. He acknowledged that indigenous families were removed from Silsako. If you recognize it was a mistake, then rectify it and return our land,” he urged.
Frustration was also directed at the perceived increase in landholdings among ministers while ordinary citizens struggle to secure their rights.
“Look at ministers like Jayanta Mallabaruah, Pijush Hazarika, and Pallab Lochan Das—their wealth is only increasing. Meanwhile, we are here fighting for even a small piece of land. Why this disparity?” questioned a protestor.
The demonstrators also challenged the rationale behind the eviction, which was purportedly part of a project to create a water reservoir at Silsako.
“They claimed Silsako would be developed to manage floodwater. Yet, Guwahati continues to flood with every heavy rain. Where is the water going? Certainly not to Silsako,” remarked one protestor.
As tensions rise, the evicted families have pledged to persist in their protests until their demands are fulfilled.
“We will not cease our efforts until we secure land. This struggle transcends compensation; it is about dignity, justice, and our right to live on our ancestral land,” the protestors declared.