Guwahati: Violence broke out in Dholpur in Assam's Darrang district this afternoon where two civilians were killed and several injured in police firing during a protest against the eviction drive in Dhalpur.
At least 800 families, occupying around 1,487 acre of land, were evicted on Monday as part of the state government's drive against "illegal encroachment". The families showed no resistance instead of shifting their belongings that day.
Continuing with the process of eviction, the Assam government on Thursday sent a police force for eviction at Dhalpur in Sipajhar, where they faced severe protests from the locals leading to a clash between the police and the locals.
SP Darrang, Sushanta Biswa Sarma says, "They (people at the spot) pelted stones & attacked Police personnel. 9 Policeman injured, I'm inquiring about the video that's doing rounds on social media".
According to sources, more than 10,000 encroachers were protesting at No. 3 area against the campaign. In an attempt to control the crowd, the police opened fire, killing two and injuring several others.
The Assam cabinet has earlier decided to free this government land from illegal encroachers and use it for farming projects.
(With inputs from Manogya Loiwal)