Eviction Controversy in Assam's Loharghat Area
In a recent development, the Assam forest department conducted an eviction operation in the Loharghat area near Mirza, situated in Kamrup district. The operation resulted in the removal of at least seven families who had established homes in the region.
Forest department officials assert that these villagers had encroached upon forest land. However, the affected villagers claim that they have resided in this area for numerous years and had never encountered objections from the forest department.
During the eviction drive, Assam forest department officials not only dismantled the villagers' dwelling houses but also cut down coconut and palm trees that had been planted in the area.
The villagers express their discontent and accuse the forest department of harassment, leaving them with no alternative places to reside. They further allege that the forest department is attempting to seize their land and allocate it to prominent business entities.
On the contrary, the forest department refutes these allegations, asserting that its primary aim is to safeguard the forest ecosystem. However, the villagers remain adamant in their belief that the forest department is not adequately fulfilling its duty to protect the environment and is instead unfairly targeting innocent individuals.
The eviction operation in Loharghat has triggered protests from the villagers as well as local activists. These activists are urging the government to intervene and prevent further evictions by the forest department. They argue that such actions are causing significant distress and displacement among the affected villagers.