The Kamrup (Metro) district administration’s eviction operation in the Islampur area of Bongara under the Azara revenue circle continued into its second day on Sunday, with officials reporting that approximately 60 per cent of the encroached land has been cleared so far.

The drive, which began on Saturday, March 14, targets around 500 houses and structures spread across 737 bighas (approximately 245 acres) of land designated as a tribal belt near Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Bulldozers demolished both Assam-type concrete houses and kutcha dwellings during the operation.

A senior district official stated that about 200 bighas were cleared on the first day.

“The target is to clear around 737 bighas, and today, about 200 bighas of land were cleared of encroachment. The eviction drive will continue,” the official said.

The administration maintained that the land is reserved exclusively for scheduled tribe communities or families who settled there before the area was officially notified as a tribal belt.

A formal eviction notice was issued by the Azara circle officer on February 27, 2026, giving residents 15 days to vacate or submit valid documents proving eligibility.

Most of the affected families are Bengali-speaking Muslims who claimed to have lived in the settlement for nearly two decades after being displaced by floods and river erosion elsewhere in the state.

Many reported receiving government benefits and aid in the area over the years.

Residents expressed anguish over the sudden loss of homes, with several families left without immediate shelter.

Officials noted that a small number of families (10 to 15) had submitted documents claiming pre-declaration settlement, and their cases were under review.

The operation forms part of the Assam government’s sustained campaign to remove illegal encroachments from tribal belts, government land, and reserve forests.

It comes just ahead of the announcement of dates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

No major incidents of violence or injuries were reported during the weekend drive.

However, tensions had earlier surfaced in February when locals allegedly attacked officials serving eviction notices, leading to arrests.

Human rights groups and opposition parties have criticised the drive, alleging it disproportionately impacts minority and vulnerable communities and raises questions over rehabilitation.

The district administration, however, has stressed that the action is being carried out strictly in accordance with the law and only after due notice.

The eviction is expected to continue in the coming days until all unauthorised structures are cleared.

Affected residents have been advised to approach the district administration with the necessary documents if they believe they qualify for an exemption.

Further updates will depend on the progress of the operation and any possible legal interventions.