Tensions flared during a massive eviction drive in Assam’s Dhubri district on Tuesday as alleged encroachers clashed with police and damaged government property. According to officials, a mob attacked two excavators with sticks and bricks and attempted to assault police personnel, prompting the security forces to resort to a baton charge to disperse the crowd. Fortunately, no injuries to police personnel were reported.
The eviction was carried out in Charuwa Bakra, Chirakuta, and Santoshpur villages under the Chapar Revenue Circle, where 1,069 families were reportedly living on around 3,000 bighas of encroached government land. The land is being cleared for a proposed 3,400 MW thermal power project by the Adani Group, to be developed under the Assam Power Development Corporation Limited (APDCL). Officials stated that around 95% of the families had vacated voluntarily following Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to the area last month.
“However, a section of people resisted and attempted to disrupt the operation. The situation is now under control,” a senior district official said. Protesters, primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims, alleged improper compensation and forced eviction. Though the government has promised ₹50,000 in one-time assistance and temporary rehabilitation on 300 bighas at Baizar Alga, many families claim they are yet to receive support.
