Eviction Drive in Kheroni, Assam Removes Illegal Settlers, Sparks Protests

An eviction drive was carried out in Kheroni, Assam on Monday to remove illegal settlers from 22 bighas of myadi land, following a directive from the Gauhati High Court. The drive, which saw a heavy police presence, targeted 10 families who had been residing on land that legally belongs to Sarthe Phangso.

The operation began early in the morning, with authorities on the ground prepared for potential resistance. A large contingent of police was deployed in anticipation of violent uprisings, and settlers were warned to evacuate with their belongings. Despite these warnings, the families who had lived on the land for years staged protests, demanding resettlement.

One woman, visibly distraught, cried out, “We want resettlement. We have no land. They have taken our lands. Where are we supposed to go? We have small children. Where are we going to take them?” Another protester echoed the sentiment, asking, “We have been living here for many years. Suddenly, they come and want us to leave. Where are we supposed to go?”

The eviction follows a petition filed by Sarthe Phangso, who had sought the court’s intervention to remove the illegal settlers. The authorities have yet to announce any plans for resettling those affected, leaving many in the community uncertain about their future.