Assam: Encroachment tensions rise in Raha, locals allege harassment by illegal occupants

Residents in Raha under the Raha Revenue Circle, Assam have alleged that a group of encroachers are exerting dominance over landless indigenous people who were previously rehabilitated by the government. The issue primarily centers around Dangori Beel Kichamukh, where illegal encroachments by some individuals have been reportedly ongoing for years.

According to reports, the encroachers have occupied agricultural fields and government-allotted land in the area. Notably, the state government had, a few years ago, cleared the encroachers from Dangori Beel Kichamukh and allotted the land to landless indigenous (Khilonjiya) people. However, the situation has once again deteriorated, as a large portion of the same land is now under fresh encroachment by the same group, who have even started establishing settlements there.

Locals allege that these illegal occupants are now issuing threats to the original settlers and constantly causing disturbances. 

Serious allegations include releasing cattle into cultivated fields to destroy crops, stealing cows and goats, and engaging in other forms of harassment. This has raised questions over the safety and security of the rehabilitated residents.

The affected people, who were granted land by the government, have now appealed to the authorities for immediate eviction of the encroachers.

As per official information, the encroached government land in Dangori Beel Kichamukh includes:

1113 bighas 3 lochas under Dag No. 58

220 bighas under Dag No. 60

62 bighas 4 kathas under Dag No. 43

10 bighas 4 kathas under Dag No. 5

291 bighas 3 kathas under Dag No. 6

68 bighas under Dag No. 35

17 bighas 3 kathas under Dag No. 10

26 bighas 3 kathas under Dag No. 210

The locals have urged the government to take swift and effective action to restore law and order in the area by reclaiming the illegally occupied land.