NEW DELHI, 25 September 2021, (TON): Villagers say they gathered to demand rehabilitation of nearly 800 families evicted from the land they claimed to have been living in for decades.

At least two civilians, both Muslims, were killed in police firing during a controversial drive to evict whom the authorities term “illegal settlers” in the Indian state of Assam, where a mega temple complex is reportedly planned.

The deceased are Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Farid, EastMojo reported, citing a police official.

According to BBC Bangla, the incident in the Sipajhar area of the state’s Darrang district occurred when “Bengali Muslims” staged a demonstration over the eviction of their homesteads, where a temple of Hindu God Shiva would be expanded.

This happens as the BJP-led government ordered a series of evictions across the state to remove allegedly illegal settlers occupying land belonging to Vasihnavite satras, ancient temples and the government.

Meanwhile, the Assam government ordered an inquiry by a retired judge of the Gauhati High Court into the killings and the circumstances leading to the incident.

Earlier in the day, locals told Scroll.in that at least three people were feared dead in the incident in which police opened fire on those protesting against an eviction drive.

Darrang Superintendent of Police Sushanta Biswa Sarma said that nine policemen had also been injured in the incident.

After the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told journalists that the eviction drive will continue.

Sarma said “police are doing their duty, eviction has restarted after the violence and will continue tomorrow as well.”