Alleged encroachment raises concern among indigenous communities in Parbatjhora

KOKRAJHAR, September 9, 2026 — Amid ongoing eviction drives by the Assam government against alleged encroachment of government, forest and religious land, concerns have been raised over alleged encroachment and intimidation of indigenous communities in Parbatjhora subdivision of Kokrajhar district.

Local residents allege that a section of suspected migrants has systematically occupied government and religious land in parts of Parbatjhora, particularly in the Madati area under Bogoribari Revenue Circle.

Residents said 7 bighas and 2 kathas of government land at Madati Pahar Basti Part II, under Madati VCDC, was allotted on April 27, 2022, for construction of a hospital. They allege that portions of the land have since been occupied, with shops, markets and houses constructed on the site.

Similar allegations have been raised regarding three bighas of land belonging to Madati Gobinda Bhawan Gita Satra, established in 1991. Residents claim that alleged encroachers have surrounded the satra's land and are attempting to occupy it, leaving devotees and local residents feeling unsafe.

Residents said memoranda seeking action have been submitted to the Kokrajhar District Commissioner, Gossaigaon health authorities and the Assam Chief Minister. They alleged that despite informing the BTC administration, effective action has yet to be taken.

Concerns have also been raised over alleged encroachment of around 10 bighas of land belonging to the historic Mahamaya Temple at Devottar Lalghat Khopati Part III. Residents allege that people from riverine areas of Dhubri district have entered the area, occupied portions of the elevated hillocks and established settlements.

Local Rabha residents further alleged that indigenous landowners are sometimes persuaded to mortgage or enter agreements over their agricultural land. They claimed that after cultivation for a period, some occupants allegedly refuse to return possession even after repayment and resort to threats and intimidation.

Several indigenous Rabha families are reportedly living under fear, with some allegedly forced to leave their ancestral land.

Residents have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary to take immediate action, including an eviction drive against alleged illegal encroachers, and to protect the land and security of indigenous communities in the Sixth Schedule-administered region.

The allegations could not be independently verified.