North Lakhimpur, July 3: Approximately 220 families were impacted during an eviction operation conducted in Lakhimpur district on Thursday, aimed at reclaiming 235 bighas (nearly 78 acres) of land from alleged encroachers, according to officials.

Lakhimpur District Commissioner Pronab Jit Kakoty stated that the eviction was executed at four sites, including three Village Grazing Reserves (VGR), following proper procedures.

"Notices were issued to the families on June 29, requesting them to present documentation for their claimed land. However, they were unable to provide any evidence. Consequently, we proceeded with the eviction," he explained.

With a strong presence of around 400 security personnel, the administration utilized 21 bulldozers and excavators to facilitate the eviction at Debera Doloni, Siringsuk, Dhakuakhonia, and Raang Chali.

"The total area targeted for this operation is about 235 bighas, where 218 families have settled," Kakoty noted.

He added that the operation is expected to conclude within a few hours and reported no disturbances during the land clearance.

Among the 218 families affected, 25 belong to indigenous communities, while the remainder are Bengali-speaking Muslims, as per another official.

"The government plans to allocate land to the 25 local families at an alternative site," he mentioned.

On June 18, seven individuals were detained after three suspected cow skulls were discovered approximately 30 meters from a Namghar in Dhakuakhonia, where part of the eviction occurred.

Additionally, following the recent Eid festival, police apprehended around 80 individuals in Dhubri, Hojai, Goalpara, and Lakhimpur districts for allegedly discarding suspected beef parts.