Eviction: Kamalakhya asks CM not to evict people with documents & rehabilitate others

July 18: The anti-encroachment drive by Karimganj district administration at Kotamoni area of Patharkandi saw around 160 houses being bulldozed. In this connection, MLA of North Karimganj and Congress leader, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha wrote a letter to the Chief Minister of Assam, where he stated that many whose houses were demolished possessed valid land documents. He urged upon the Chief Minister to look into the matter so that the residents with valid land documents are not disturbed.

MLA Dey Purkayastha further urged upon the Chief Minister to provide proper rehabilitation to the others whose houses were demolished as the homeless people were facing immense difficulties without a roof over their head in this rainy season.

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha wrote, “It is the fact that the Government of Assam has been evicting the residents of greater Katamoni area of Karimganj District residing since years in that locality with valid land documents etc. without providing any rehabilitation measures. It is rainy season now, and as a consequence. the inhabitants arc facing mass problems for this activities of the Government. I therefore, for the greater public interest, request you to kindly look into the matter so that, the residents with valid documents are not disturbed and others are rehabilitated accordingly.”

He later on went to meet Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in person and handed over the letter. The Chief Minister marked the letter to DC Karimganj and asked to look into the matter. Later on MLA Kamalakhya said, “I personally submitted a memorandum to HCM Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the illegal and inhuman Eviction that took place in Kotamoni yesterday. Requested HCM to provide them adequate rehabilitation.”

Meanwhile, Arpita Dutta Mazumder, Circle Officer of Patharkandi said that the demolition exercise was not a sudden one. Rather, notices were sent in advance to the occupants of the structures to vacate the houses as these were built on encroached lands. She also added that public announcement was made in this connection and information about demolition of structures in encroached land was also disseminated through newspapers. The Circle Officer further stated that there were several hundred bighas of encroached land where people have constructed houses, which are now being demolished in a phase manner after giving due notice.