The Assam government launched a large-scale eviction drive on Tuesday to reclaim over 3,600 acres (11,000 bighas) of Rengma Reserve Forest in Uriamghat, Sarupathar sub-division, along the Assam-Nagaland border, displacing approximately 1,500 families. The operation, one of the state’s largest, targets alleged illegal encroachments, primarily betel nut plantations linked to the “supari mafia,” and has sparked humanitarian and regional tensions.

The drive began at Bidyapur’s main market, with over 2,200 personnel, including Assam Police, Forest Department officials, and CRPF, backed by over 100 bulldozers and excavators. “We’re clearing illegal structures, starting with commercial areas before moving to residences,” said Golaghat Deputy Commissioner Diganta Kalita. Surveys across 30 villages revealed 10,500–11,000 bighas encroached, with notices served to 1,500 families, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims labeled as illegal settlers. Around 80% reportedly vacated voluntarily after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s July 25 visit, where he noted 70% compliance.

The operation has drawn criticism. The NSCN (Niki) faction alleges Assam is using evictions to seize Naga ancestral lands, escalating Assam-Nagaland border disputes. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Debabrata Saikia, claim the drive targets Miya Muslims, referencing historical settlements post-1978 Chungajan clashes. Environmentalists support reclaiming the ecologically vital forest but urge rehabilitation for displaced families. The Gauhati High Court’s 2022 order backs the evictions, citing violations of the Assam Forest Regulation Act, 1891.

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Nagaland has heightened border vigilance to prevent an influx of evictees, while concerns grow over syndicates aiding resettlement in Nagaon and Sarupathar. As bulldozers advance, the drive underscores Assam’s aggressive anti-encroachment campaign, having cleared 42,500 acres in four years, though 9.5 lakh acres remain occupied.

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