Guwahati, July 11 -- Assam's Goalpara District officials confirmed on Friday that nearly 95% of alleged encroachers have vacated over 1,000 bighas of forest land in Paikan Reserve Forest ahead of a scheduled eviction drive.

Goalpara Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Choudhury reported that the district administration stands ready to support the forest department's operation.

"Around 90-95% of the settlers have already moved out, dismantling their makeshift establishments and taking their belongings. Only permanent or brick structures remain," he said.

Originally scheduled for Friday, the eviction drive was delayed by a day to accommodate Friday prayers in the Muslim-majority area, an adjustment Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announ...