GUWAHATI: Families whose homes were demolished on the banks of Silsako Beel during last Friday’s (May 13) eviction now plan to physically resist further demolition drives by standing in front of excavators and other heavy machinery used to raze the illegal structures.
According to affected residents, the Kamrup (Metro) District Administration is likely to conduct a second round of evictions at the protected wetland on Wednesday, May 18.
"Let the Government run its bulldozer over our bodies," said affected residents who staged a protest at the site today, May 17.
The protestors later presented a memorandum to the local Circle officer with a list of their demands
Four days ago, the District Administration carried out an eviction drive against illegal settlers at the Silsako Beel near the Chachal area of Guwahati. On Tuesday, May 17, hundreds gathered in the area to protest the action and demand rehabilitation.
“All our houses were destroyed without us receiving any prior notice. Now we are homeless, have nowhere to go, and have taken shelter on the road", one of the protesters told G-Plus.
Some affected families are currently living in the area under temporary sheds constructed of bamboo and tarpaulin sheets.
"We will not leave this tent till the Government takes any decision. At least the Government should give us the land to stay in. Till then, we will stay under this tent,” said an evicted person.
Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) president Akhil Gogoi joined in the protest on Tuesday. "Why are Ginger Hotel and Ajmal Foundation establishments still on the Silsako Beel, while thousands of houses owned by common people have been destroyed?" he said.
Besides KMSS, other opposition parties including the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress have also voiced their support for the evicted families.
