Tensions Rise Over Land Encroachment in Hailakandi District
Land Dispute in Hailakandi
Hailakandi, July 25: Tensions have escalated in the Gharmurra region of southern Assam's Hailakandi district as residents voice their anger regarding the encroachment of approximately seven bighas of land belonging to a government school. This situation has led to significant unrest among the local population near the Mizoram border, with many calling for immediate action from authorities.
The government school, founded in 1937 on forest land in Gharmurra Part I village, was initially allocated eight bighas by the Divisional Forest Officer of Cachar on February 2, 1940. Once the sole educational facility for the area's tribal community, it now faces the risk of losing its space, as six individuals have reportedly taken over the land for farming purposes.
School officials have indicated that this encroachment has drastically impacted the school's daily operations, particularly affecting outdoor activities for the 309 students enrolled. Although the school is currently staffed by six teachers, the faculty quarters that once existed have been damaged, and the land has been claimed.
Former educator Bishu Kar expressed his frustration over the lack of action, referencing a 2020 eviction order from the then Divisional Forest Officer, NH Mazumder. He noted, “An eviction date was set for December 27, 2020, and the forest department had even contacted the Superintendent of Police, but the eviction never took place.” Kar urged the authorities to take prompt action, warning that further delays would exacerbate the issue.
After complaints from the school's managing committee, the matter has escalated to the Chief Minister and other senior officials. District Guardian Minister Krishnendu Paul has assured both residents and school representatives that steps will be taken to reclaim the encroached land.
Recently, a team from the forest department, including Assistant Conservator Kalidas Sinha and Range Officer Sanjoy Kumar Ahir, conducted a survey of the affected area. Divisional Forest Officer Akhil Dutta confirmed that while the encroachment has been recorded, eviction efforts may not commence until winter due to the current wet conditions, which hinder safe operations.
Headmaster Prabir Kumar Das mentioned that the issue was raised with the former Deputy Commissioner during a public meeting in 2019, organized by the school's managing committee. Katlicherra MLA Suzam Uddin Laskar had also reached out to the DC, urging swift action to recover the land.
Bijan Kumar Das, Chairman of the school managing committee, emphasized the institution's historical significance and the urgent need for land restoration. “This school has educated generations of tribal children. Today, these children are being deprived of even a playground,” he remarked.