Crisis of Existence for Assam’s Erosion-Affected and Displaced People: A Humanitarian Tragedy
In the geographical and social landscape of Assam, riverbank erosion is not merely a natural disaster; it is a living curse. The five photographs presented here depict a poignant reality of this harrowing truth. Crushed between the fury of nature and the rigidity of administration, the plight of these individuals has become a matter of grave concern for the entire nation.
1. A Home Built of Tears and a Journey into the Unknown (First Photo)
The first image shows a family that has lost its home to the river. Carrying the tin roof—the last remains of their shelter—on their shoulders, they head toward an unknown destination in search of a place to stay. This sight forces us to ask: As Indian citizens, where is their permanent address?
2. Inhumanity in the Name of Eviction (Second Photo)
The irony is that when these unfortunate people, having survived the clutches of nature, attempt to find a small patch of land for life and livelihood, the government machinery labels them as 'encroachers' and carries out inhumane evictions. This is not just the demolition of a house; it is the destruction of their last hope of survival.
3. Temporary Camps and the Cruelty of Nature (Third and Fourth Photos)
After being rendered homeless, these people live in temporary shelters under tarpaulins amidst extreme hardship. However, storms and rain have devastated even these fragile refuges. Their lives have become as uncertain as a tarpaulin sheet blown away by a storm.
4. The Sorrowful Eyes of Innocent Children: The Most Painful Sight (Fifth Photo)
The gaze of the innocent children from the displaced families in the fifth photo is the most heart-wrenching. Their faces reflect only fear, uncertainty, and an unspoken agony. They do not understand why their homes were demolished, why they must remain hungry, or why their childhood is wasting away under a tarpaulin. The gaze of these children is a challenge to the conscience of our society and administration.
The question is not 'What', but 'Where is the solution?'
◾️Constitution, Rights, and Humanity: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution grants every citizen the right to live with dignity. However, when the government carries out evictions without providing alternative rehabilitation, words like 'Rights' or 'Humanity' become meaningless and devoid of significance.
◾️Role of the Three Pillars: Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive:
▪️Why does the administration not prioritize rehabilitation instead of merely focusing on eviction?
▪️Why has the Legislature failed to formulate a robust policy for the permanent resolution of erosion and flood problems?
▪️It is essential for the Courts to play a more proactive role in protecting helpless citizens.
✅️ Role of Human Rights Commission and Leaders: The silence of the Human Rights Commission is truly unfortunate. On the other hand, in many cases, self-serving leaders use these distressed people merely as a 'vote bank.'
✅️ Responsibility of Conscious Citizens: As conscious citizens, we must view our neighbors not through the lens of religion, caste, or identity, but as human beings. It is the responsibility of society to build public opinion against flawed government policies and in favor of these shelterless people.
A "People's Government" does not mean mere governance; it means wiping the tears of the poor and providing them with security. Before the government evicts them as "encroachers," it is vital to acknowledge that they are "Erosion-Affected Indian Citizens."
📌 Development devoid of humanity can never be inclusive.
Abdul Hai
General Secretary, AIUDF