Assam Forest Evictees Abandon Boycott, Opt to Vote Amid Rehabilitation Concerns
In a significant turn of events, nearly 6,000 individuals evicted from the Lutumari Reserved Forest in Assam have reversed their earlier decision to boycott the upcoming elections. Initially protesting delays in land allotment for rehabilitation, these displaced families now fear that abstaining from voting could severely jeopardize their future prospects of securing plots and might even lead to their names being removed from the electoral rolls. Enrolled as voters in the Hojai assembly constituency, this group has spent months living in precarious conditions, highlighting the ongoing struggle for stability and justice.
From Protest to Participation: The Rationale Behind the Shift
The evicted families, many of whom have been residing under tarpaulin sheets along village roads since their displacement, expressed deep frustration over the lack of political engagement. Rashid Ali, a 47-year-old evictee, shared, "Initially, we all decided to boycott the election. Since the eviction, no one from any political party has asked how we have been spending our days and nights. Our demand for rehabilitation remains the same. But people here decided to vote instead of boycotting — otherwise, it might create problems in the future." This sentiment underscores a strategic pivot, driven by the apprehension that non-participation could further marginalize their cause and hinder any chance of government assistance.
Historical Context and Displacement Details
The eviction involved over 1,200 Bengali-speaking Muslim families who were allegedly occupying nearly 6,000 bighas of the Lutumari Reserved Forest in Nagaon district. According to district administration records, the forest was notified over a century ago, yet these families had been living there for several decades, with many settling in areas like No.-2 Majgaon after fleeing violence during the anti-foreigner movement between 1979 and 1983. Abdul Hameed, aged 115, recounted, "Most families had settled in No.-2 Majgaon inside the forest in 1983, after being forced to flee their earlier homes in Barpeta district in lower Assam, Morigaon in central Assam, and parts of Nagaon district." Today, about 200 of these families endure harsh conditions at Chankhula, a temporary shelter 8km from the eviction site, grappling with uncertainty and exposure to the elements.
Parallel Scenario in Goalpara: Voting Amidst Displacement
In a similar display of resilience, nearly 1,000 evicted voters from the Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara district plan to travel to their former forest area on Thursday to exercise their franchise. Despite being displaced last year, they remain enrolled at the Bidyapara ME School polling booth within the Goalpara East constituency. Johrul Sheikh, a resident evicted from Bidyapara, explained, "We have been voting there for nearly four decades, ever since we began living in the area — until the evictions were carried out. We are going to vote this year as well, and our demand for rehabilitation will remain until it is met." The polling station, which was converted into a forest department office post-eviction, has been temporarily vacated to facilitate voting, as confirmed by election officer Pallabi Borah.
Challenges and Future Implications
The evictees' decision to vote, rather than boycott, reflects a pragmatic approach to safeguarding their democratic rights while continuing to advocate for rehabilitation. Many, like Johrul Sheikh's family, do not own land elsewhere in Assam and are currently sheltering with relatives near eviction sites. This situation is emblematic of broader issues faced by displaced communities across the state, where access to basic amenities and political representation remains fraught with challenges. As these individuals cast their ballots, their actions serve as a poignant reminder of the intersection between displacement, electoral politics, and the enduring quest for justice and resettlement in Assam's forested regions.
