Evicted for Encroachment, Reoccupied by Others: Is the Rule Different for Muslims?

Just hours after the completion of a large-scale eviction drive in the Damchera area of Hailakandi district, allegations of re-encroachment have triggered fresh controversy. Katlicherra MLA Sujam Uddin Laskar has accused the administration of failing to prevent fresh occupation of the evicted land, warning that the situation could disturb communal harmony if not addressed immediately.

According to Laskar, soon after the eviction operation concluded, certain groups allegedly began occupying the cleared land. He blamed administrative negligence for the development, stating that no permanent arrangements were put in place to safeguard the area following the eviction.

Addressing the media, the MLA said the government had cleared around 2,800 bighas of land during the eviction drive. He acknowledged that the land in question was government forest land and stated that there was no objection to clearing encroachments. However, he raised serious concerns over what he described as selective targeting during the operation.

“They evicted people belonging to a particular religion and even demolished a mosque. We have nothing to say about freeing government land from encroachment. But if, just days after the eviction, the same land is occupied by other people, how can that be tolerated?” Laskar said.

He questioned the rationale behind allowing fresh occupation, arguing that if land allegedly encroached upon by one community was cleared, it should not be handed over—directly or indirectly—to another group. “If it was illegal for Muslims to occupy the land, how is it acceptable for others to occupy it now?” he asked.

Laskar warned that such actions could fuel communal tension in the district. “We have been living peacefully here. But if Muslims are evicted and the land is then occupied by others, communal problems will arise. The peace of society will be destroyed,” he said.

The MLA also confirmed that he had met the Deputy Commissioner of Hailakandi to convey his concerns. Emphasising the responsibility of the administration, he said strict measures must be taken to prevent re-encroachment and ensure that government land remains free from occupation, irrespective of religion or community.

“If it is government land, it should not be occupied by anyone—no matter which religion they belong to,” Laskar added, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating.

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