The Assam Forest Department has successfully concluded the first phase of a significant eviction drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest in Uriamghat, Golaghat district. The operation, which spanned five days, resulted in the reclamation of over 10,000 bighas (approximately 1,300 hectares) of forest land and the demolition of around 4,000 structures.
This extensive drive, one of the largest undertaken by the state government, aims to free government and forest lands from encroachment. An MLA overseeing the operation confirmed the completion of this initial phase.
The eviction targeted alleged illegal settlements within the Rengma Reserve Forest, an area close to the Assam-Nagaland border. Reports indicate that approximately 2,000 families, primarily from the Muslim community, had been residing in these encroached areas. While many families voluntarily vacated the land after receiving prior notices, authorities proceeded with the demolition of remaining structures, including commercial establishments and residential buildings.
The Assam Chief Minister has publicly stated that such eviction drives are conducted in a “well-thought-out, legally sound, and systematic manner.” He emphasised the government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached forest lands, grazing grounds, and land belonging to religious institutions, asserting that these actions are crucial for ecological conservation and to curb illegal activities. The Chief Minister also noted that the government differentiates between unauthorised occupation by indigenous people and encroachments by “foreigners and doubtful citizens,” with the latter being the primary target of these drives.
The operation involved a substantial deployment of security forces, including personnel from the Assam Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Forest Department, ensuring a largely peaceful execution. The reclaimed land is slated for ecological regeneration initiatives.
While the government maintains that the drive is essential for environmental protection and upholding land laws, some affected families have questioned the rationale, claiming they were settled in the area by previous governments. The All Rengma Welfare Organisation has publicly lauded the Assam Chief Minister for the eviction drive, calling it a “significant step” towards restoring justice and protecting the long-standing indigenous rights of the Rengma Naga community.
