Assam: Tensions flare up over eviction drive in Bongaigaon, locals protest

Tensions ran high in Kerkhabari, Bongaigaon district, as an eviction drive by the North Salmara sub-divisional administration triggered unrest among the local population. The conflict emerged over 185 bighas of government khas land, which the Assam Agriculture Department had allocated for the establishment of an agricultural research center under the Srijangram revenue circle.

A section of the indigenous people, who have been farming on this land for over 40 years, vehemently opposed the eviction. Their long-standing demand for land rights clashed with the government’s development plans, escalating tensions when officials arrived to execute the eviction orders.

The situation worsened when agitated villagers dismantled the fencing recently erected by the administration to demarcate the research center’s boundaries. The police, present at the site, acted swiftly to control the disorder, preventing further escalation of violence.

In light of the unrest, authorities have temporarily suspended the eviction process, leaving the fate of the land and the agricultural research center uncertain.

Also read: Spiritual leader turned away at Arunachal airport amid protests