Assam Silsako Beel Eviction: Kamrup (M) Admin Directs to Conduct Magisterial Enquiry

GUWAHATI: In February, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) began an eviction campaign at Silsako beel, a protected wetland in Guwahati, Assam, which started with 15 excavators and 3000 armed troops securing the area. Approximately 250 houses evicted as per the govt order.

However, dissatisfied with his circumstances, many protestors claimed that the authorities threw them on roadways in the name of the eviction drive.

However on 23rd May, the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has ordered the Kamrup Metro District government to conduct a magisterial investigation into the incident at Silsako Beel in Guwahati.

According to the official order it was stated that, "Seen and perused the NOTICE received from the Deputy Registrar, Assam Human Rights Commission, Bhangagarh, Guwahati in AHRC Case No 4627of 2022-23 (9)/3 regarding submission of Enquiry Report in connection with the incident of eviction at Silsako Beel, Guwahati.

Accordingly, Priyanshu Bharadwaj, ACS, Additional District Magistrate, Kamrup Metropolitan District, Guwahati is hereby entrusted to cause an enquiry into the aforesaid matter and to submit his findings within 7 (Seven) days on receipt of this order for onward submission to the AHRC. Further, Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita, ACS, Assistant Commissioner & Executive Magistrate Kamrup Metropolitan District, Guwahati is directed to assist Shri Priyanshu Bharadwaj, ACS, ADM in the course of enquiry.

This has the approval of the District Magistrate, Kamrup Metropolitan District, Guwahati."

Earlier on May 10, several people gathered in Silsako Beel in Guwahati to protest the Assam government's eviction drive in February of this year.

During the rally, protestors slammed the administration, alleging that evictions were carried out without adequate notification.

At least 1,000 police officers were deployed in Guwahati's Silsako Beel to wipe away accused encroachers from 132 acres of land. A temple devoted to the goddess Durga and another to Lord Shiva were also demolished.

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