Eviction or Target? Guwahati’s Azanpir Masjid Gets 12-Hour Notice, Residents Stunned

Shock and confusion have gripped residents of Haripur–Geetamandir in Guwahati after an eviction notice was suddenly served to the Azanpir Muktab and Masjid, directing that the premises be vacated within 12 hours.

The notice, dated October 29, 2025, was issued by the Office of the Circle Officer, Dispur Revenue Circle under Order No. DDMA K(M)/1/2023/518, released by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kamrup Metro on October 24, 2025. It cites public safety and disaster preparedness as the grounds for the directive.

However, what has raised eyebrows among locals is the timing of its delivery. Despite being dated nearly a week earlier, residents allege that they received the notice only on Wednesday, leaving them less than a day to respond or vacate the site.

“This notice was sent secretly. Why now? We have all been living here peacefully for decades. The notice was received only yesterday (Wednesday). Why wasn’t it sent a month ago? Now what are we supposed to do?” — said one of the residents.

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The Azanpir Muktab and Masjid, established in 1984, have been a longstanding religious and educational centre for the local community. Around 40 to 50 minority families live in the surrounding area, where residents say all communities have coexisted peacefully for decades.

“I was born here, and we have been living peacefully with all other communities, celebrating all festivals together. We are surprised why the minority groups are being targeted now. There has been no notice on schools or other households — why only the masjid?” — said another local resident.

Officials, however, maintain that the measure has been undertaken in the interest of public safety. The notice instructs that all persons, movable property, and essential documents be safely removed from the premises before 2:00 PM on November 6, 2025.

The document also warns that failure to comply will be treated as a violation of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and may invite legal action.

Locals, meanwhile, have appealed to the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for intervention, demanding that the eviction be reconsidered. The suddenness of the move and the manner in which the notice was served have sparked questions across the community — is it a disaster precaution or a targeted eviction?

Security personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order as the deadline approaches.