Over 250 shopkeepers, 50 families face eviction as railways expand Lumding-Tinsukia track

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 19, 2025

More than 250 shopkeepers and 50 families in Lumding have received eviction notices from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), with a 15-day deadline to vacate land occupied for generations. The eviction is part of the railway authority’s plan to expand the double-line track between Lumding and Tinsukia.

Residents say they have been living and running businesses on the railway land since 1880, with a namghar (community prayer hall) established on the same land in 1960. Until now, no prior eviction threats had been issued.

“We have lived here since time immemorial. Now we are suddenly being told to leave. Where will we go? This is our only source of livelihood,” said one of the affected small traders.

Following the notice, local residents, shopkeepers, and the namghar management committee approached Samir Lohani, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Lumding Division, and appealed for an alternative land arrangement. However, railway sources confirmed there is no rehabilitation or resettlement plan for those being displaced.

In search of support, the affected community also met Hojai MLA Shibu Mishra, but reportedly received no response to their plea. They later turned to Shiladitya Dev, former MLA and chairman of the Assam Linguistic Minority Board (ALMB), who met the DRM on Saturday and conveyed the concerns of the displaced families.

Despite the outreach, uncertainty remains over the future of the residents and traders. With no official relief in sight, the eviction has sparked fears of displacement, economic hardship, and the potential loss of a historic religious and community landmark.