In a sweeping operation in Assam’s BJP-ruled Goalpara district, bulldozers have demolished numerous Muslim-owned properties under the pretext of clearing encroachments in the Dahikata Reserve Forest.   The recent drive, aimed at reclaiming approximately 153 hectares of land, is potentially displacing around 580 Muslim families, leaving them homeless overnight. 

Videos shared by BJP Assam General Secretary Pallab Lochan Das show heavy machinery demolishing makeshift homes, accompanied by a strong presence of Indian forces. The operation, which involves over 1,000 forest and police personnel, is expected to continue for many days.  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had signaled the eviction drive last week, declaring on social media: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protect and restore every inch of our forest land.

Encroachments on the 153 hectares of Dahikata Reserve Forest will be evicted immediately.”  District officials justify the action, citing illegal occupation of forest land. However, critics argue that such actions violate Indian Supreme Court guidelines and fail to provide any rehabilitation for the affected families.  The state government has framed the eviction as part of efforts to counter a so-called “demographic invasion” by a specific religious community.

Locals and critics, however, say that the authorities were targeting Muslims in a highly discriminatory manner, singling out their properties for demolition while leaving others untouched. Affected families have described the evictions as a selective and biased assault, with thousands rendered homeless under the guise of land reclamation. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)