Assam Eviction Drive Results in Two Deaths and Multiple Injuries

Two protesters were killed and 11 others injured in police firing during an eviction drive in Assam's Kamrup Metropolitan district on Thursday, a senior police officer reported. The incident occurred when law enforcement attempted to remove alleged encroachers from government land.

Eviction Drive Turns Violent

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the eviction was proceeding peacefully until Congress opposed it. He claimed that the opposition led to the encroachers becoming aggressive and attacking officials and police. "Eviction was underway peacefully in the area and many of them had returned to their homes in Darrang and Morigaon. It was only when the Congress began opposing the drive that they attacked the police," Sarma said at the state BJP headquarters.

During the clash, 22 police personnel and a government official were injured by an irate mob, prompting police to open fire. Director General of Police G P Singh confirmed that the police used force following due process, resulting in injuries to 13 individuals, with two declared dead at the hospital.

Details of the Eviction Process

The eviction drive, led by revenue authorities of Kamrup Metro, began on Monday in the Sonapur Revenue Circle's notified tribal belt. According to DGP Singh, 248 bighas of government land were cleared, removing 237 illegally constructed structures. He noted that government officials and police were attacked with sharp weapons and stones during their duty.

A team from Sonapur circle office and police went to Kochutoli village to evict Bengali-speaking Muslim villagers who had previously been removed but had returned. The villagers attacked officials and policemen with sharp weapons, sticks, and stones, injuring a magistrate and 22 police personnel. A police vehicle was also damaged.

Police Response and Investigation

In response to the attack, Guwahati Police have been directed to identify all miscreants involved and take lawful action. The conspiracy behind the attack on government officials will also be investigated. "All instigators and conspirators behind such attack would be brought to book in due course," DGP Singh said.

The deceased have been identified as Jubahir Ali and Haider Ali. Among those injured are Sonapur Circle Officer Nitul Khataniar, Deputy Commissioner of Police East Mrinal Deka, and Sonapur police station officer-in-charge Hirak Jyoti Saikia.

An eyewitness claimed over 50 people were injured and taken to the district hospital. Another official mentioned that many with minor injuries received first aid and were released.

Security Measures

Additional security forces have been deployed in Kochutoli village following the incident. Senior civil and police officials have rushed to the spot to maintain order. Although the situation is under control, tension remains high in the area.

Proper treatment is being provided to all injured government officials and others affected during the day, according to DGP Singh. The eviction from government land will continue as planned despite the violence encountered during this operation.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding land disputes in Assam, particularly involving eviction drives targeting alleged encroachers on government property.