Assam Authorities Demolish Homes of 73 Muslim Families Built on Privately Owned Land

The Goalpara district administration in Assam demolished 73 residential structures in the Krishnai area on Monday during an eviction drive against alleged unauthorized construction on agricultural land. Heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, was deployed across five revenue villages, Kharija Paikan, Khamar Manikpur, Bhojmala Part-2, Jatsharbari, and Tengabari, to clear the settlements. Authorities stated the measure aimed to protect agricultural plots, wetlands, and natural drainage systems from rapid, unapproved development.

According to officials, residents erected structures without obtaining necessary legal permits to convert agricultural land into residential plots. The administration noted that notices were issued through the Matia Revenue Circle Officer, giving occupants 24 hours to vacate, but no families complied. Goalpara District Commissioner Mr. Pradeep Timung highlighted environmental concerns, stating, ‘This was entirely agricultural land, but people set up settlements here overnight,’ while adding that uncontrolled construction was obstructing natural water flows and encroaching on local water bodies.

The clearance action triggered widespread opposition from affected families and local minority organizations, who argue that residents owned the property legally. Mr. Nurul Islam, Working President of the North East Minority Students’ Union, condemned the move, asserting, ‘They resided on their own land with valid legal documents; these were not government lands. Their only ‘crime’ was that the land was classified as agricultural on paper’. Echoing this sentiment, Muslim Students Union of Assam President Mr. Ashiq Rabbani criticized the official stance by remarking, ‘Building a home on one’s own agricultural land can never be a crime’.

In response to the backlash, District Commissioner Mr. Timung denied claims that the drive selectively targeted a specific community, clarifying that settlers had arrived from various districts including Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri, and Mankachar. ‘There is no question of Hindu or minority here,’ Timung stated, noting that some local Muslim residents had themselves complained about unregulated housing. This operation follows a series of similar land clearances across Assam, including a major drive on forest land in Goalpara’s Dahikata area in November 2025.