In early July 2025 the Assam state government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modis central government launched a massive demolition drive in Dhubri district . The operation resulted in the destruction of approximately 1400 homes belonging to Bengali origin Muslim families. The government claims the land officially classified as grazing land was cleared to facilitate the construction of a large scale solar power plant .
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Displacement of Thousands
The demolition began on July 8 in villages such as Chirakuta 1 and 2 Charuakhara Jungle Block and Santeshpur all located under the Chapar revenue circle. Most residents had lived on the land for decades many resettling there after being displaced by the erosion of the Brahmaputra River . Despite official notices and public announcements residents say the eviction process was rushed and offered no meaningful alternatives .
The Assam government allotted Baizar Alga as a relocation site and promised each affected family a one time payment of INR 50000 approximately US 600 for transport and resettlement costs. However the new site is in a flood prone area lacking basic amenities such as roads clean water or electricity . As a result many displaced families expressed deep reluctance to move there citing safety and infrastructure concerns .
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Official Narrative vs Ground Realities
The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited the agency overseeing the project stated that the cleared land is crucial for a clean energy initiative . The local administration confirmed the allocation of over 1200 acres for the solar plant. However opposition leaders and human rights groups argue that the demolitions are not merely about infrastructure but represent a strategic displacement of a politically and socially vulnerable minority group .
Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi of the Raijor Dal party visited the eviction site and called the demolitions illegal and unconstitutional. He noted that a legal challenge to the evictions is pending in the Gauhati High Court . According to Gogoi and other activists the demolitions are part of a broader pattern of targeting Bengali origin Muslims in Assam particularly ahead of upcoming elections to influence demographic balance and voter representation .
A Pattern of Evictions
This is not an isolated incident. In recent months similar demolition drives have taken place across the state . On June 16 homes of 690 families were demolished in Hasila Beel Goalpara. On June 30 93 families were evicted in Nalbari . July 4 saw 220 households displaced in Lakhimpur . Just days after the Dhubri drive another 667 households mostly Bengali Muslims were evicted in Goalpara where five schools are also slated for demolition .
Since the BJP came to power in Assam in 2016 over 10600 families have reportedly been evicted from government designated land with the majority of them being Muslims . Critics point out that these actions align with a broader political narrative that seeks to marginalize certain religious and ethnic groups through state policy .
Bulldozer Justice and Its Consequences
The term bulldozer justice has emerged as a symbol of aggressive governance in several BJP ruled states where homes are razed as a form of punishment or political assertion often bypassing due process . While the Indian Supreme Court ruled in late 2024 that demolitions cannot be used as collective punishment and must follow legal protocols rights groups argue that these rulings are being routinely ignored .
Affected residents described scenes of panic as bulldozers arrived with minimal warning. Some tried to resist resulting in minor clashes and police baton charges . While some compensation has been distributed basic services at relocation sites remain inadequate deepening the humanitarian crisis .
Broader Implications
Analysts view these evictions as part of a larger strategy that combines climate risks land laws and infrastructure development to systematically displace Bengali origin Muslims . These policies dovetail with other controversial measures including the National Register of Citizens NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Act CAA both criticized for their exclusionary nature
The unfolding events in Dhubri raise serious legal and ethical questions . Were proper procedures followed Were viable alternatives provided Were constitutional rights respected As the matter progresses through the courts it may set a precedent for how far the state can go under the banner of development .