Assam authorities conduct mass eviction drive in Dhubri district

Authorities in Assam’s Dhubri district carried out a large-scale eviction drive on November 1, demolishing homes and structures across approximately 650 bighas of land in Alomganj’s Ninth Block. The operation, which utilized over 50 bulldozers and heavy police deployment, displaced between 550 and 640 Bengali Muslim families, affecting an estimated 4,000 residents.

Dhubri District Commissioner Dibakar Nath stated that the land is intended to be handed over to the industrial department for the development of an industrial park. While notices were served for 800 bighas of land, the administration did not proceed with the demolition of 150 bighas due to pending court cases. Nath noted that the administration will submit an affidavit to the Gauhati High Court and follow its directions.

Residents have disputed claims made by officials regarding their land ownership. Some long-term inhabitants reported living in the area for decades, with some citing residency dating back to 1962 following river erosion. The demolition followed a period where electricity was reportedly cut off to the area, and residents were given a 15-day notice to vacate if they could not produce land documents. A court hearing regarding the matter is scheduled for November 13.