Lakhimpur, 3 July (HS): Over 200 families were displaced on Thursday as the Lakhimpur district administration launched a major eviction drive to clear 78 acres (approximately 235 bighas) of allegedly encroached government land spread across four locations.

According to officials, the drive began early in the morning at Debera Doloni, Siringsuk, Dhakuakhonia, and Raang Chali, including three Village Grazing Reserves (VGRs). It was executed with the support of around 400 security personnel and heavy machinery, including 21 bulldozers and excavators.

District Commissioner Pronabjit Kakoti stated that prior to the operation, eviction notices were issued on June 29, asking occupants to provide land ownership documents. “No valid papers were submitted, leading us to proceed with the clearance,” he added.

The administration reported that a total of 218 families had settled on the land, of which 25 belonged to indigenous groups while the rest were Bengali-speaking Muslims. The government has proposed resettlement for the indigenous families at an alternative site.

Officials confirmed that the eviction was conducted peacefully, with no resistance reported. The operation was expected to be completed within a few hours.

This eviction comes shortly after heightened tensions in the region. On June 18, police arrested seven individuals after three suspected cow head were found near a Namghar in Dhakuakhana. The incident, which occurred close to the eviction site, had raised communal concerns.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash