Shilkuri Tea Estate Encroachment Row: Eviction Drive Likely Soon, Say MP and MLA

A large-scale eviction drive may soon be carried out on allegedly encroached land belonging to the Shilkuri Tea Estate in Assam’s Cachar district, according to statements made by Karimganj MP Kripanath Mallah and Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala.

Speaking to journalists in Silchar, Mallah, who is also the president of the Barak Tea Workers’ Union, said the issue would be brought to the attention of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and that steps would be taken to free the tea garden land from encroachment.

The development comes after reports highlighted allegations that around 200 bighas of land belonging to the Shilkuri Tea Estate had been occupied by people described as suspected Bangladeshi nationals. According to the allegations, permanent and temporary houses have been constructed on the land, while large ponds have also been dug for commercial fish farming. Local residents and tea garden workers have claimed that the encroachment has continued for several years.

Mallah said tea estate land is meant for the welfare of tea workers and should not be occupied by others. He stated that tea workers would not accept such encroachment and urged the government to take action.

Reacting to the issue, Udharbond MLA Rajdeep Goala said it was not for him to determine the identity or origin of those residing on the land, adding that the government would investigate and decide the matter. However, he said the Assam government has consistently taken action against illegal encroachment and would continue to do so wherever necessary.

Goala referred to a recent eviction drive conducted near the Bharatmala project area, where authorities removed structures allegedly built on land required for the project. He said the government does not encourage illegal occupation of land and would act if the allegations regarding the tea estate land are found to be true.

The MLA also noted that tea estate land cannot legally be sold or registered. He questioned how any such transactions could have taken place but said he could not comment further on the matter.

Meanwhile, tea garden workers have reportedly expressed their readiness to protest against the alleged encroachment. The issue has drawn attention across the Barak Valley following recent media reports and public discussions.