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| Eviction drive in Asaam |
This comes a week after a major eviction drive to free public land from alleged encroachers at Batadrava Than in Nagaon district.
A senior police officer told that 400-bigha land was encroached in Kanara Satra many years ago. “Approximately 400 people were evicted today,” the officer said. “Between 45 and 60 structures, all of them semi-permanent, were demolished. There was no resistance from those evicted; the whole process was carried out peacefully.”
Satra is a form of Hindu Vaishnavite monastery.
According to officials, the alleged encroachers were given prior notice and were told that they were illegally occupying government land.
An administration official, who was seen executing the eviction drive, confirmed to reporters present that 40 families were evicted. “They were served individual notices thrice and public notice was issued once about the eviction drive. Forty-five families used to stay here, of whom five had left after notices were served. The remaining 40 families were evicted today,” the official said.
Congress MLA from Baghbor Assembly constituency, Sherman Ali, was detained from the spot after he staged a protest, demanding rehabilitation of those evicted.
“All people, whether Hindus or Muslims, will have to vacate Satra land. We request people to leave encroached land, otherwise we will carry out eviction drives,” Sarma had said.
