Mass eviction drive underway at Assam's Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary; locals allege assault by officials

A large-scale eviction drive is underway at the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Nagaon district on July 3, with the administration clearing alleged encroachments spread across hundreds of bighas of cultivated land.

According to local sources, authorities are targeting extensive jute cultivation on land claimed to be part of the protected forest area.

Tension prevails during the operation after locals allege that a man who had gone to graze cattle in the morning was assaulted by forest personnel. The allegation has not been independently verified, and there is no immediate response from the Forest Department.

Residents also accuse some forest officials of previously allowing cultivation on government land in exchange for money, alleging that no restrictions were imposed on farming until the eviction drive began. These allegations have not been substantiated, and the authorities have not commented on the claims.

Meanwhile, journalists are reportedly being barred from entering the eviction site, with the administration restricting media access during the operation.

A heavy security presence is deployed across the Laokhowa forest area, with police and security personnel stationed at multiple locations to maintain law and order during the eviction drive.

Further details are awaited.