TheAssamgovernments eviction in Darrang district as part of its drive against encroachments on Monday, which left 800 families homeless, has drawn sharp criticism from the OppositionCongressand AIUDF.

The All Assam Minorities Students Union (Aamsu), an influential students body representing both religious and linguistic minorities, also formed a human chain demanding immediate rehabilitation.

Assam chief ministerHimanta Biswa Sarmasaid the eviction is aimed at starting community farming as part of its drive against encroachments.