Eviction drives carried without prior notice violate norms: Congress

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 13, 2024

Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Friday expressed concern regarding eviction drives conducted without prior notice, stating that such actions violate norms.

He referred to the recent violent protest during the eviction operation at Kachutoli Pathar under Sonapur Revenue Circle in Kamrup Metro district as a serious issue that requires attention.

Saikia also mentioned that he had raised the issue of encroachment based on information from a Right to Information (RTI) response during the Assam Assembly session on August 29, indicating that the matter had been brought to the state’s attention prior to the recent incidents.

Saikia criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his statement that no prior notice is required before evicting encroachers. Saikia pointed out that this stance directly contradicts established legal norms, which mandate prior notice before any eviction, as reaffirmed in several court rulings.

Furthermore, Saikia strongly refuted the Chief Minister’s allegation that the Congress party, and Saikia himself, were instigating encroachers in Sonapur. He labeled the accusation as a “blatant lie” and clarified that, rather than inciting violence, he has been consistently calling for the public to maintain peace and avoid resorting to violent protests.

Saikia’s position underscores his commitment to upholding law and order in the state amidst the ongoing eviction issues.

“Himanta Biswa Sarma of being a habitual liar, attempting to confuse the public and tarnish the image of the Congress Party and me personally,” Saikia also said.

Saikia pointed out that this is not the first instance where he has been falsely maligned, referencing a recent attempt to accuse him of insulting indigenous organizations—a smear campaign he claimed was orchestrated by the BJP, which was eventually debunked.

Saikia also renewed his criticism of the Assam government’s push for the installation of Smart Electric Meters. He alleged that this initiative is being carried out with undue urgency, not only to please the Adani group but also as a means to manage the state’s significant debt burden. Saikia demanded relief for the public, who have expressed concerns over the costs and implications of the Smart Meter installations.

 “A habitual liar, the CM of Assam is trying to create confusion among the public and malign the Congress party and CLP,” Saikia said.

It is noteworthy that recently, there was another attempt to malign Saikia of insulting indigenous organizations which was finally found to be the handiwork of the BJP.

Saikia also reiterated the demand to provide relief to the public from the Smart Electric Meter installation. He alleged that the Assam government is giving special emphasis to ensuring Smart Electric Meter installation to please Adani group as well to deal with neck-deep debt of the state government.