Eviction Notices Issued in Hati Chong Mouza, Locals Deny Forced Land Occupation

Raha:The Nagaon Sadar Circle Officer has issued eviction notices to alleged encroachers in Hati Chong mouza, directing them to vacate the grazing reserve land immediately. The notice stated that individuals had built houses and carried out agricultural activities on government-owned grazing land.

“You are hereby directed to vacate the land at the earliest; failing which, action will be taken under the provisions of law. No further notice will be issued,” the notice warned.

In response, several residents have denied accusations of illegal occupation, claiming they had not forcibly taken anyone’s land, but rather purchased plots informally over the years.

“It was government land, but it kept changing hands. I bought it, and now it’s mine,” said one resident, who has lived in the area since 1983. “We are all locals. If evicted, we’ll have nowhere to go but to live with relatives.”

Along with Hati Chong, similar eviction orders have reportedly been issued for Bogoriguri, Goroimari, and areas under Samaguri such as Khatowal mouza and Kachari Gaon, all of which are classified as grazing reserves.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during a recent visit to Uriamghat, noted that if cleared, the area would account for the recovery of 1.5 lakh bighas of land from encroachment. While emphasizing the importance of public cooperation, he stated, “Even if I remain Chief Minister for life, I may not be able to fully reclaim Assam’s land due to the scale of encroachment.”

The administration has appealed for voluntary evacuation to avoid the need for forced eviction drives.