Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the impact and socio-political dynamics of eviction drives conducted within the Rengma, South Nambor, and Doyang Reserves Forests which was jointly organised by the state of Assam and Nagaland from July 2025-September 2025. This study used qualitative content analysis approach from various media reports of national, regional, and local level. The paper was illustrated through thematic analysis based on seven different key themes. Two perspectives have been incorporated such as Lewis Coser’s theory of social conflict and Raffestin’s theory of territoriality. While authorities justified the drive based on legal and ecological concerns with the aim to stop encroachment and restore the forest land. The affected communities of Bengali-speaking Muslim residents perceived it as discriminatory and exclusionary policy by highlighting their enrolment in the state issued identity documents and the government classification as illegal residents. The unilateral decision of Assam in conducting plantation drive has triggered border escalation. Findings highlight humanitarian impact over the affected population and intensified inter-state border escalation.
Authors: Libenthung Kikon, Athungo Ovung
Institution: Nagaland University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7208829374