1,500 families settled illegally on govt land in Assam's Morigaon start vacating area

Morigaon (Assam), Jun 24 (PTI) Around 1,500 families who had settled illegally on forest and railway land in Assam's Morigaon district have started clearing the area, an official said on Monday.

In an order on June 12, the government had asked them to vacate the land within 10 days.

The families, comprising around 10,000 people, had settled on government land in Silbhanga village in Jagiroad, District Commissioner Devashish Sarma told reporters here.

"A notice was served to the people of the area on June 12 asking them to clear the land within 10 days, and most of them have complied," he said.

Some families have children who are appearing for different examinations. They have asked for more time, and "as a humanitarian gesture, we have decided to make arrangements for their stay till the exams are over", Sarma added.

"The administration is keen to ensure the clearance of the land without the use of force or demolition of structures. We held talks with the people, and they have agreed to do so with nearly 80 per cent of them already shifting their belongings from the encroached land," Sarma said.

Sarma visited the area during the day to ensure no untoward incidents took place. Security forces have also been deployed.

''We hope that the people will peacefully clear the area," the district commissioner said. PTI CORR DG SBN