1,200 Muslim homes demolished in BJP-ruled Assam amid controversial ‘encroachment’ drive
Dispur: In a controversial move, authorities in BJP-ruled Assam have demolished around 1,200 homes belonging to Muslim families in Sonitpur district, under the pretext of removing alleged encroachments.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the demolition drive, which critics argue disproportionately targets Muslims, was conducted in areas under the Tezpur Sadar and Dhekiajuli revenue circles, including Jamuktol, Arimari, Siyalichar, Baghetapu, Galatidubi, Lathimari, Kundulichar, Purba Dubramari and Batulichar.
Officials claim that the demolished homes were built by alleged encroachers who had settled inside the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans parts of the affected areas. The administration also alleges that crops were being cultivated on land within the sanctuary. However, many of the affected families dispute these claims, asserting that their ancestors had lived in the region for decades, with some having lost land to erosion from the Brahmaputra River.
The evictions mark the latest chapter in a series of controversial demolition drives carried out by the Assam government since the BJP assumed power in the state in 2016. Critics argue that the authorities’ actions are part of a broader, systemic effort to marginalize and displace Muslim communities in the state, often under the guise of anti-encroachment measures.
The latest round of evictions come months after the Assam administration cleared 2,099 hectares of land in and around the wildlife sanctuary in February by displacing families in one of the state’s largest such operations.
Despite claims of “encroachment,” the displaced families argue that they have deep historical ties to the land, some tracing their presence back to their ancestors who were displaced by the shifting courses of the Brahmaputra River.
The ongoing eviction drives and demolitions have previously escalated into violence. On July 17, police opened fire on a group of protesting Muslim families in the Vidyapara locality of Krishnai, Goalpara district, killing a 19-year-old Muslim youth and injuring several others.
Human rights organizations and local activists have raised concerns about the consistent targeting of Muslims in Assam’s eviction drives.
