Guwahati: Encroachment on more than 638 hectares of land in three districts of Assam has been cleared in eviction drives over the past few days, and the government will keep fighting to secure the state's interests, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.
The drives took place in Golaghat, Hojai and Nagaon districts. Officials said around 1,000 families were removed during the operation.
"State authorities are committed to protecting the state's interests. The cleared land will be reserved for proper use," Sarma said.
The government has stepped up its drive against illegal occupation of protected forest land and government land. However, human rights organisations have raised concerns over the operation, questioning the rehabilitation of displaced families.
The government said the drives are lawful and carried out after prior notice, and that rehabilitation arrangements are being made.
The Chief Minister said a process to digitise land records in the state is under way, which would help prevent encroachment in future.
Encroachment on protected forest areas in Assam has been a talking point for years, and the state government has run similar drives before. Questions have been raised over how the displaced families will be rehabilitated.
Encroachment on protected forest areas in Assam has been a talking point for years, and the state government has run similar drives before. Questions have been raised over how the displaced families will be rehabilitated. The Chief Minister said land records are being digitised, which would help prevent encroachment in future.
Opposition parties alleged the drive is being carried out for political reasons.