Nagaon (Assam), 03 July (HS): A major eviction operation was carried out on Friday at the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Nagaon district, where the administration initiated the removal of alleged encroachments covering hundreds of bighas of cultivated land.

According to local sources, the drive focused on vast stretches of jute cultivation reportedly taking place within the protected forest area. Officials are seeking to reclaim land believed to be under illegal occupation inside the sanctuary.

The operation triggered tension among local residents.

Villagers further alleged that certain forest officials had previously permitted cultivation on government land in return for money and that farming activities continued without objection until the present eviction drive. These allegations remain unverified, and no official statement has been issued by the authorities regarding the claims.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash