Kaziranga eviction drive turns tragic as 2 people get killed in police firing

The Kaziranga National Park is one of the last homes of the one horned rhinoceros. However, a lot of local people are settled near the wildlife sanctuary and need to be moved out for the safety of the majestic animal. In a tragic incident however, on September 19 police opened fire on protesters demanding compensation in return of leaving their homes near Kaziranga. As per the police, firing led to the loss of lives of two people whereas five others were injured.

In view of a Gauhati High Court order last year, Assam government had decided to carry out eviction in Banderdubi and Deochurchang areas under Kaliabor sub-division of Nagaon district after the residents refused to move out until they were paid adequate compensation.

While 190 families are being evicted from Banderdubi, 160 families are being evicted from Deochurchang.

Heavy security arrangements were made since Sunday in the two areas but as eviction began this morning, the situation turned tense with protestors squatting and resorting to stone pelting.

Senior police officials present at Banderdubi urged the protestors to move away but they turned violent with the security forces resorting to lathicharge, tear gas shelling and then opened fire to disperse them.

Two persons were killed in the firing including a woman, identified as Anjuma Khatun and the man as Fakhruddin.The five persons injured in the firing have been admitted to Jakhalabandha Health Centre.

The situation in the area was still tense but under control with the eviction drive continuing.There was, however, no report of any untoward incident in Deochurchang area.The authorities have pressed elephants, excavators and rollers into service to demolish the houses.

Many families have moved to National Highway 37 with their belongings.Krishak Mukti Sangram Parishad leader Akhil Gogoi demanded that the families should be paid adequate compensation before they are evicted.