Authorities launch a large-scale operation to clear alleged encroachments in Nagaon district as assault allegations, media restrictions and heavy security deployment spark controversy
Nagaon: A large-scale eviction drive began on July 3, at the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Nagaon district, where authorities are clearing alleged encroachments from protected forest land spread across hundreds of bighas.
The operation is primarily targeting vast stretches of jute cultivation, which officials claim have been carried out illegally within the notified wildlife sanctuary. Police and forest personnel, backed by a heavy security deployment, have been stationed across the area to maintain law and order during the exercise.
The eviction, however, has triggered tension among local residents. Villagers alleged that a man who had gone to graze cattle on Friday morning was assaulted by forest personnel during the operation. The allegation has not been independently verified, and the Forest Department has not issued any official response.
Residents also accused certain forest officials of previously permitting cultivation on government land in exchange for money, claiming that farming activities had continued without objection until the current eviction drive. These allegations remain unverified, and no comment has been made by the authorities.
Journalists covering the operation were reportedly prevented from entering the eviction site, with the administration restricting media access to the area during the exercise.
The eviction is being carried out under tight security, with officials continuing the clearance operation as the situation remains tense. Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the progress of the drive or respond to the allegations raised by local residents.
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