Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah Rejects Bangladesh Leader’s Claims Over Lutumari Eviction

Guwahati: Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah has rejected allegations by Bangladesh opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman regarding the eviction drive at Lutumari Reserved Forest in Nagaon district. The minister asserted that the operation was conducted legally and was not directed against any religious community.

According to Mallabaruah, the October 17–18 eviction drive covered 314 hectares of forest land and affected 563 families. He said the action followed Supreme Court directions, with advance notices served to occupants. The reclaimed land will reportedly be restored with indigenous trees to protect wildlife habitats and reduce human-elephant conflict.