Huge commotion broke out between residents of Bajilan (Block-C) in Lahorijan, Karbi Anglong and security forces after Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) started the eviction drive early Sunday morning despite ‘a stay order’ from the court, residents alleged.
As per sources, the protest by residents turned violent after they started pelting stones. The security forces responded with lathti charge, tear gas and blank firing.
As per the residents, they requested the authorities till Feb 2, 2022, the date fixed court for the next hearing. But the officials carried on with the eviction drive.
Dimapur Auto Driver’s Union Tito Yepthomi, while speaking to local news channels said that he was also hit by Assam police during the lathi charge. He said that many auto drivers live in Balijan and he was worried about their livelihood. Tito also said that Karbis come to Dimapur to sell vegetables and do business and they are always made welcome, likewise the KAAC authorities should ensure safety and well being of Balijan residents who are all Indians.
As per sources, during the eviction drive, the excavator tried to dismantle the connecting bridge which is a lifeline. Timely intervention by Dimapur district administration halted it.
In all, 134 houses were supposed to be dismanteled in the eviction drive but 34 of them had obtained stay order from the court.
Residents lamented that they should have been given some time to remove their belongings. Some people were seen collecing their belongings after their houses were dismanteled.
As per Land revenue department of KAAC, about 210 bighas of government land has been occupied by doubtful individuals in the area.