The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has announced that eviction operations will be carried out on all encroached Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) lands in the twin districts within the next 15 days. Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang stated on Monday that eviction notices will be issued starting Tuesday, with temporary relief granted only to 339 families who obtained a Gauhati High Court stay order. Ronghang emphasized that no businesses will be allowed to operate on PGR or VGR land, and trading licenses for those running establishments on such lands will be revoked. The decision comes after a three-hour meeting with protesting organizations demanding the immediate eviction of non-tribals from these 6th Schedule areas.
Legal Process and Stay Orders
Ronghang clarified that the 339 families currently under a High Court stay order will not receive eviction notices while their cases remain sub judice. However, all other illegal occupants will be served notices and asked to vacate their lands within 15 days. He added that if they fail to comply, the KAAC will proceed with eviction. Additionally, the council will submit an affidavit to the Gauhati High Court on January 5, outlining its plan for reclaiming PGR and VGR lands, while the protesting organizations will submit their affidavits on the same day. This legal process ensures that the eviction drive proceeds within the framework of the law while addressing concerns raised by encroachers.
Eviction Phases and Timeline
Ronghang announced that the eviction drive in Bokoliya will be undertaken in phases after Magh Bihu in January, highlighting the council’s firm stance on reclaiming grazing reserve lands. The KAAC’s decision follows a tripartite meeting held on December 26, involving the state government, KAAC, and protesters, during which Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the agitators that the government would approach the Gauhati High Court for an early order on the stay imposed on eviction drives. The phased approach is intended to minimize disruption while ensuring that illegal encroachments are addressed effectively.
Context of Recent Violence
The eviction announcement comes in the wake of violent incidents in the Kheroni area of West Karbi Anglong, which resulted in two deaths and at least 173 injuries. The unrest followed police action against a hunger strike demanding the removal of non-tribals from PGR and VGR lands. Protesters also torched KAAC Chief Tuliram Ronghang’s old residence in Dongkamokam, prompting police firing to disperse the crowd. Last year, a similar eviction drive was initiated but was stayed after a petition was filed in the Gauhati High Court, halting the process. The latest announcement signals the council’s renewed commitment to reclaiming grazing lands while maintaining legal and procedural safeguards.
