Guwahati, 15 June (HS): A large-scale eviction operation was carried out by the district administration on Monday in the Mirzapur area of Azara, close to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, resulting in the demolition of nearly 50 shops and other commercial establishments allegedly operating on agricultural land.

Revenue Department officials led the drive with assistance from police personnel, while bulldozers were used to remove the structures. Authorities stated that the land was earmarked for agricultural purposes and that commercial activities being conducted there violated existing land-use norms.

The action sparked protests from local traders and residents, who argued that many of the affected establishments had been functioning for years on their own periodic patta (myadi patta) land. Several business owners claimed they were not given adequate notice or sufficient time to shift their operations before the demolition began.

Affected traders said the eviction had severely impacted their livelihoods, with many families losing their primary source of income. Some residents alleged that years of investment and hard work were wiped out within a matter of hours.

Tension prevailed in the area during the operation as groups of traders and local residents gathered to voice their opposition to the drive. Security personnel remained deployed to maintain law and order throughout the exercise.

District authorities, however, defended the action, stating that the eviction was necessary to remove commercial encroachments and ensure compliance with land-use regulations governing agricultural land.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash