Dhubri district administration has started demolishing over 2000 households at the proposed site of a 3,400 MW thermal power plant in Bilashipara area, Dhubri on July 8. The families were forced to evacuate their homes by July 6 after a public announcement on July 4. Spanning over 5,000 bighas of land across four villages, locals allege that the eviction drive will displace at least 10,000 landless Miya Muslims. While people protested against the eviction drive, at least three women were injured in a confrontation with the police in Charuabakhra village on July 8.
It is one of the largest eviction drives carried out by the government in recent years.
Karim Ali spent five years in Goalpara detention center. All his family members including his siblings and children are Indian but he was declared as a foreign national by a tribunal.
On 25th, May 2025, he was arrested again by the border police. Since then, the family don't have his whereabouts. His son, Mannan Ali, describes the tragic story.
The Char-Chapori areas of Assam are among the most marginalized and underdeveloped regions in the state. The population density of chars is very high at 690 per sq. km against Assam’s 340 per sq. km. According to the socio-economic survey conducted in 2003-2004, the literacy rate at 19.31% is lower than the state’s 63%. The below poverty line population is 67% of the total. Most chars do not have high schools. To continue their education beyond middle school, students are forced to travel long distances, often walking several kilometers and crossing dangerous rickety bamboo bridges or the river by overloaded machine boats, risking their lives, just to attend schools on the mainland.
Amid these challenges many students have passed the HSLC Exams this year. This video is an inspiring story of Farida, Ekramul and Sandul from remote char areas. Their achievement is not just academic, it is also a powerful story of resilience and determination.
The erosion of Beki river has resulted in the displacement of over 20 families in Kharballi village of Barpeta district, over past 15 days. The erosion not only claimed homes but also resulted in the loss of agriculture and personal belongings. After facing severe erosion, people were forced to migrate to various cities in search of livelihood. Families with no other options are living in temporary shelters on government land. Since the past 15 days, no government officials or political representatives have reached out to this people.
Qutub Ali, a 50-year-old resident of Katazar village in Barpeta district, was declared a foreigner by the Foreigners' Tribunal and was detained in the Matia Detention Camp in Goalpara for nearly two months. Qutub Ali, a horse driver and daily wage laborer, was accused of being a suspected citizen by the Border Police in 2019. Despite regularly casting his vote, he was unable to prove his citizenship. With the help of a lawyer, Qutub Ali approached the Foreigners' Tribunal. He paid Rs 15,000 to his lawyer and attended multiple hearings. However, The tribunal declared him a foreigner and ordered his detention. In the detention camp, Qutub Ali faced immense hardship due to poor living conditions and low-quality food. The majority of detainees in the camp belong to the minority community of Assam. According to recent data, at least 270 people declared foreigners are being held in the camp. Qutub Ali's family faced severe financial difficulties after his detention. They filed a petition in the Guwahati High Court seeking his release and had to borrow at least Rs 80,000 to pay the lawyer's fees. Following the High Court's directive, Qutub Ali was granted bail on February 10.
Beki river erosion disrupting Barpeta-Abhayapuri Road near Beki Bridge, Shawpur in Barpeta district. Char villages to the west of Barpeta district have been severely affected by recent floods and erosion. Since the past ten days, no government officials or political representatives have reached out to these people. The people have yet to receive any aid or evacuation measures.
Heavy rain and floods have affected more than 21 lakh people across 29 districts in Assam. The death toll from extreme-weather related incidents in Assam this year has now reached 62. Over 1.5 lakh people in Barpeta district have been affected by flooding, which has submerged 1435.6 hectares of crop land. The char villages in the Chenga Assembly Constituency are particularly hard-hit, experiencing severe problems due to the flood waters. The affected people are staying on small raised platforms under precarious conditions, lacking basic facilities such as drinking water and sanitation. In many places, there is no platform available, forcing many people to remain in their homes despite the flooding. Many homes have been eroded in the area, and the displaced people have sought shelter on the roadsides. The effected people are seeking compensation from the government.
Kurjut Ali is a folk singer from Sontoli of Kamrup District. He is one of the influential folk singers in the area. He songs tells about love, loneliness, religion and different philosophical sects.
In the video, Itamugur tried to portray one woman's loneliness when her beloved husband has gone to the cities in search of livelihood.
Abdul Halim is a folk singer from Mahammadpur, Barpeta. He drives an E-rickshaw for his living. He has been practicing folk songs since more than two decades. Itamugur recorded the famous folk song 'ke koy pirit...' in his voice and tried to reflect upon his daily life.
Empty promises, hollow issues and neglected concerns; these are the highlights of the people of char-chapori areas ahead the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Watch what char-chapori people share about the real issues and the issues campaigned by the candidates ahead of the national polls.
Shahidul Islam, a resident of Kalgachia village of Barpeta District declared as an illegal foreigner and sent to detention centre. With the MLA's recommendation, Shahidul seeks legal aid, attending numerous hearings at Guwahati Foreigner's Tribunal to prove his citizenship. Despite possessing all necessary legal documents, Shahidul was convicted and imprisoned as an illegal foreigner, enduring two years of detention. Shahidul was held in detention for a period of two years under the allegation of being an undocumented foreigner. During his confinement, he was provided with substandard meals that exacerbated his declining health. Throughout his confinement, Shahidul suffers in substandard conditions, plunging his family into extreme poverty. Since his arrest, he has grown increasingly susceptible as he is unable to continue work. The large number of individuals held in detention centers for extended periods has instilled fear in him. He holds the belief that predominantly Muslim individuals are subjected to such mistreatment and violence.
Taslim Uddin, hails from Guileza, a small riverside village of Barpeta District. By day, he sells bamboo products to make ends meet, while his evenings are filled with melody of philosophical songs that he sings from the bottom of his heart. Through his music, Taslim expresses his philosophy of Dehobichar- the belief that true fulfilment comes from nurturing both the body and the soul.
On 10th of January, 2024, homes of more than 100 families near Pancharatna in Goalpara district were bulldozed by the district administration. As dark clouds of uncertainty and despair loom over their heads, they don't know where to turn for immediate assistance. The evicted families claimed that they have lived in their current premises for more than fifty years. during the time they have received various utilities from government agencies, including electricity, borewells and Below Poverty Line houses. The families are experiencing a number of emergencies, including a lack of electricity, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and clean food. In addition, many of their school going children are facing difficulties in study. Their crisis remain unheard as they receive little assistance from higher authorities, and their rights to life remain violated.
The erosion of Beki river has resulted in the displacement of a over hundred families in Kaurjahi, Balaipathar and Besimari villages, of Barpeta District, over the past two months. The erosion not only claimed homes but also resulted in the loss of agriculture, personal belongings, and livestocks, compounding the challenges faced by the people. The displaced families have a history of displacement, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the issue, highlighting the urgent need of sustainable solutions. The affected people are currently grappling with overwhelming distress and a sense of helplessness. The affected people, with no alternative, appeal to government for immediate and comprehensive assistance to help them rebuild their lives and secure a stable future.
1214 No. Koimari LP School has been battling Beki river erosion since more than a decade. The students are learning in substandard condition, in temporary sheds. Building Dreams with limitations: The local panchayat granted a fund but could not solve issues.
Shona Bhanu, a 59 years old resident of Barpeta district, was among 14 people, who were allegedly expelled from Indian territory on May 27. She was dropped off on an Indian highway, 120 km from her home, on May 31. Later, her brother Ashraf Ali rescued her and brought her back home.