Targeted eviction of Bengali-speaking Muslims across Assam districts alleged

By A Representative

A delegation led by prominent academic and civil rights leader Sandeep Pandey visited three districts in Assam—Goalpara, Dhubri, and Lakhimpur—between 2 and 4 September 2025 to meet families affected by recent demolitions and evictions. The delegation reported widespread displacement of Bengali-speaking Muslim communities, many of whom possess valid citizenship documents including Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards, PAN cards, and NRC certification.

In Goalpara district, 667 families were evicted from Hasila Bill village on 16 June and relocated to private resettlement sites in Karbala and Jannatpur. The government has cited plans to convert the area into a reserved forest but has not provided compensation or rehabilitation support, leaving families in precarious conditions.

In Dhubri district, approximately 1,200 families from Chirakuta, Charuabakhra, and Sonteshpur villages were displaced to make way for a proposed Adani thermal power plant. Although each family received Rs. 50,000 in compensation, the delegation noted that the amount was insufficient given the scale of loss. Many of the displaced had legal land ownership or were previously resettled by the government. Allegations have surfaced that names of displaced individuals are being removed from electoral rolls via automated Form 7 submissions, raising concerns about disenfranchisement.

In Lakhimpur district, 40 families in Ulubari village and 150 in Singrasukh Rangashali have faced demolitions and evictions from grazing lands. The affected include Assamese-speaking Muslims, Adivasi families, and Bengali-speaking Muslims. The delegation observed a pattern of targeted evictions against Bengali-speaking Muslims, often referred to as Miya Muslims, despite their inclusion in the NRC. The Socialist Party condemned these actions as politically motivated attempts at polarization ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

During their visit to Bilasipara on 3 September, the delegation was denied access to eviction sites and later learned that local activists Ashraful Islam and Akhtar Hussin, who were assisting them, had been detained. While Ashraful was released the same evening, Akhtar faced a legal case and had to secure bail. The delegation criticized the administration’s treatment of activists defending fundamental rights.

The team also visited the Holding Centre (photo) in Matia, Goalpara district, which contradicts the Prime Minister’s 2020 public statement that no detention centres were being constructed. Although previously barred from entering Assam during a protest journey, the delegation was able to view the centre from outside, asserting that its existence proves the PM’s claim was misleading.

Associated with from the Socialist Party (India), the delegation included Sandeep Pandey, Syed Tahseen Ahmad, Sarbjit Kaushal, Niya Tapo, Rajni Rani, Shahid Kamal, Syed Abubakr, and Biju Borbaruah. It called on the Assam government to rehabilitate all displaced families and uphold their rights as citizens.

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