Assam Minister Rejects Claims Over Nagaon Forest Evictions

Guwahati: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah struck back at Bangladesh opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on October 26. He dismissed claims that the recent eviction drive in Nagaon district targeted a specific religious group. The minister insisted the state acted strictly under Supreme Court mandates. The operation cleared 314 hectares of notified land in the Lutumari Reserve Forest.

State officials conducted the evictions on October 17 and 18, 2026. A total of 563 families lost their homes. Baruah argued the action was a legal and ecological necessity rather than an arbitrary move. He noted the government provided plenty of time for families to pack up before teams arrived. The process remained peaceful throughout. "The operation should be assessed on the basis of legal records, court proceedings and its ecological objectives," Baruah stated on X.

Baruah pointed to a February 10, 2026, Supreme Court order that defined how to clear notified forest areas. Judges also disposed of related Special Leave Petitions on September 2, 2026. The government avoided the rainy season to keep the transition smooth. No force was used. Officials now plan to plant indigenous species to restore habitats. This shift aims to help local elephant populations and lower human-animal conflict. Protecting these forests remains a legal duty.