Assam: Evicted families block NH-315 in silent protest over unfulfilled rehabilitation promises

A group of displaced residents, comprising nearly fifty men and women, staged a silent protest on Tuesday, June 24 by blocking National Highway 315 near the Jagun Police Outpost, demanding justice and long-promised rehabilitation.

The protestors, most of whom were evicted from Namphai Tapu nearly two years ago, braved harsh weather conditions as they sat resolutely on the highway in a peaceful demonstration. Despite the absence of slogans or speeches, their silent protest sent a powerful message to the authorities.

According to the protestors, they had once cultivated land and sustained their families through agricultural activities in Namphai Tapu. However, in a government-backed relocation drive, they were removed from the area to facilitate the resettlement of a tribal community from Laika.

At the time, government officials and local representatives reportedly provided verbal assurances that proper rehabilitation measures would be arranged for the evicted families. Nearly two years later, those promises remain unfulfilled.

"We were told we wouldn’t be left abandoned, but no help ever came. We’re still struggling without land or livelihood," said one protestor.

Frustrated by the prolonged silence and administrative inaction, the affected families resorted to blocking the highway as a last-ditch effort to draw attention to their plight.

The blockade caused significant disruption to vehicular movement along the vital route, prompting concerns about growing public dissatisfaction over unresolved displacement issues.

No official response had been issued by the administration at the time of reporting.