Kamrup (Assam), 13 December (HS): Tension prevailed in the pilgrimage town of Hajo following allegations of large-scale land encroachment attempts by aggressive outsiders in the area. Indigenous residents accused a group of miscreants of intimidating locals and attempting to forcibly grab their agricultural land.

Local sources alleged that huts belonging to indigenous families in the char area were set on fire as part of a conspiracy to evict them from their land. It was further claimed that farmland under cultivation by indigenous people was being systematically occupied, with an apparent attempt to render them landless.

The alleged encroachers are said to have come from the Shivina area under Palashbari revenue circle. Indigenous Assamese residents have demanded immediate eviction of illegal settlers from the char areas and strict action by the administration to protect their land and livelihood.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash