Assam News: In the Chokudaha area of Assam’s Goalpara district, members of the Bengali-speaking Muslim community have lost their homes. Their homes were demolished during a forced eviction drive by the BJP-led government. Now, about 50 families are sheltering in temporary huts on private land. “We have no place to go now,” said Momina Khatun. This situation highlights the precariousness of their lives.
Incidents of Eviction and Violence
After 19-year-old Sakor Ali was killed in police firing on July 18, people were forced to flee again. The eviction drive involved not only homes but also forests, marshlands, and village pastures. People have built temporary huts, but security and stability of life remain in question.
The Difficulties of Life and Daily Struggles
In temporary shelters, women are cooking under the open sky, and children are roaming around the tin-roofed huts. Ebrun Nesa, a mother of four, said, “We don’t know how long we’ll be allowed to stay here.” This situation highlights the insecurity and struggle for survival among the people.
Human-Elephant Conflict and Wildlife
Conflicts between wildlife and the local community have also increased. A wildlife officer explained that human-elephant conflict can be controlled by caring for fruit trees and protecting forest boundaries. A nearby school building has now been converted into a Forest Protection Force camp. This demonstrates how challenging it is to maintain a balance between rehabilitation and protection of forest areas.
Government Claims and the Real Picture
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that 40,000 acres of land, equivalent to the size of Chandigarh, has been cleared since May 2021. While the government claims this is crucial for development and security, it has had a serious impact on people’s lives. The temporary and insecure living conditions of the displaced families demonstrate how difficult it is to maintain a balance between development and human rights.
