Assam: Farmers protest against eviction drive in Tinsukia

In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of the Silsako eviction drive, the administration and forest department of Assam carried out another eviction drive, this time in the serene river island of Tapu near the Namphai forest area of Jagun in Tinsukia district. The abrupt eviction has left the local community in extreme tension and turmoil.

Rewind to 1999, when the Government of Assam, in a bid to aid flood-affected individuals, allocated plots of land in the Namphai Forest area of Jagun. One bigha of land was granted to numerous families, who, in turn, eked out a living by cultivating various crops on the island (tapu) nestled along the Dhing River adjacent to the Namphai reserve forest.

However, the tranquility of these humble dwellers was shattered as the forest department and Assam administration carried out a sudden eviction, leaving the impoverished residents in a state of agitation. It is worth mentioning that the government had been working towards rehabilitating a total of 109 families in Namphai Tapu. Last year, 48 families were allocated three bighas of land each at Namphai Tapu as part of the government's efforts.

On June 16, a sizeable administrative team arrived to distribute land to the remaining 61 families in Tapu. Tensions quickly escalated among the residents of Sonowal village. While the situation remains relatively calm at the time of reporting, there is a palpable risk of heightened confrontation. The people of Sonowal village express discontent with the encroachment upon Tapu's land from the east, as it threatens the settlement of Talaika villagers who have made this area their home.

One of the protestors passionately exclaimed, "We have been farming in this land since 1999, persevering through numerous challenges. In 2014, the Arunachal government and authorities claimed ownership of this land, asserting that it belonged to them. However, we firmly stood our ground and contended that this land rightfully belongs to Assam. Ever since, we have continued to cultivate this land, relying on it for our sustenance and livelihood."