Assam: Opposition alleges Sonapur eviction drive of being CM's "diversionary tactic"

Guwahati: Opposition leader and Dhubri MP, Rakibul Hussain has alleged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of attempting to divert the people's attention from the trading scam.

Speaking to the media, Hussain said that the trading scam has a much deeper root that is not visible and hence, the CM tried to divert the attention by setting up an inhumane eviction drive in Sonapur near Guwahati city resulting in the death of at least two people and numerous injuries.

Hussain said that the people even though encroachers were not given any notice by the government and hence the clash took place.

He stated that CM Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government had come to know that after the trading scam, people were starting to question several things.

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"Hence, to divert the attention, a sudden eviction plan was made violating a court order regarding eviction notice. It was a clear contempt of court as the people encroaching the land were not given prior notice", he said.

The MP further said that it may soon be noticed that people would even stop talking about the scam and fall into the diversion tactic.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Bhuyan said that they were not in support of encroachers and wanted Assam to be encroachment-free.

Also Read: Assam: Two killed in police firing during eviction drive at Sonapur

"Encroachment on any land in Assam can never be accepted but things such as mass eviction need to be done humanely. People who are to be evicted must be given notice. Sudden decisions to evict them with no notice is bound to result in chaos", he said.

It may be mentioned that at least two people were killed in police firing on Thursday during an eviction drive in the Kosutoli locality in the Sonapur area of the Kamrup Metropolitan district in Assam.

On Friday, another person hit by a bullet died at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital taking the death toll to three.

Along with the deaths at least 22 government officials were injured after a retaliation by the alleged encroachers in the area.