The normally peaceful town of Chirakuta in Dhubri district, Assam has turned into a centre of resistance, as residents stage an indefinite sit-in protest against what they allege is a government-backed attempt to evict indigenous families from their patta (land-title) holdings.
For the past four days, locals — joined by school and college students — have filled the streets with slogans and placards, vowing to defend their land at any cost. Protesters accuse the administration of paving the way for corporate takeover, specifically claiming that around 5,000 bighas of land could be handed over to the Adani Group.
The agitation comes in the wake of a large-scale eviction drive in nearby Charuwa Bakra and Santoshpur, where nearly 3,500 bighas were cleared. Fearing similar action in Chirakuta, residents say eviction notices have already been issued to patta-holding families — many of whom have lived on the land for generations.
“This is our land, our home, our life. We are ready to lay down our lives, but we will not surrender even an inch of our patta land to Adani,” said one protester, reflecting the determination of the community.
Organisers insist that the protest, which began last Wednesday, will continue until the administration drops its alleged eviction plans. They describe the move as more than an administrative measure — calling it a direct attack on indigenous rights, culture, and identity.
The district administration has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, but tension remains high as Chirakuta braces for what many see as a decisive moment in their struggle for land and livelihood security.
