Overview

• The first phase of the eviction in Rengma Reserve Forest concluded on August 2 after five days, clearing about 8,900 bighas (nearly 1,200 hectares), dismantling over 4,000 structures and proceeding without resistance.
• Authorities displaced around 1,500 families, mostly from the Muslim community, while exempting indigenous occupants who hold Forest Rights Committee certificates.
• A second phase is set to begin on August 8 in Negheribill, where notices have been issued to 205 households over roughly 300 bighas of alleged encroachment.
• The Forest Department led the drive with support from the Golaghat District Administration, Assam Police and CRPF, in coordination with Nagaland authorities under Gauhati High Court directives.
• Border states including Nagaland have intercepted vehicles carrying evicted individuals and several neighbours have tightened inner-line permit requirements to prevent their entry.