Assam Eviction Fallout: High Court Demands Answers on Rehab

The Gauhati High Court has taken a significant step, seeking clear answers from the Assam government regarding the rehabilitation and compensation of hundreds of families displaced during a major eviction drive in September 2024.

About 650 families, primarily migrant Bengali Muslims, comprising approximately 2,000 people, were evicted from Kachutoli in the Sonapur area, about 20 km east of Guwahati. The operation, which occurred between September 23 and 25, aimed to clear 100 bighas of notified tribal land in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.

Justice Devashis Barua, on September 7, issued notices to various government departments, instructing them to submit affidavits by October 6. This order came in response to a plea from 76 petitioners, who represent some of the evicted families, seeking proper rehabilitation and compensation.

Their advocate, Zunaid Khalid, highlighted the plight of these displaced residents.

The court observed that the petitioners had been residing on private 'patta' land—property with officially recorded ownership—before their removal. Crucially, they were evicted "without receiving any rehabilitation or compensation," a point of serious concern.

The situation escalated rapidly. The initial eviction attempt began on September 9, 2024. However, the displaced villagers reoccupied the land just three days later, leading to heightened tension.

Authorities then resumed the demolition drive, which was met with protests.

Tragically, two individuals, Haider Ali and Jubahir Ali, lost their lives in police firing during these protests, and 33 others, including government and police officials, sustained injuries. The local administration ultimately completed the final eviction drive by September 25.

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