300 families in Bengal's village face eviction over Defence Ministry's airport land notice claim

Over 300 families in Komla village, located in Shalbani block of West Midnapore, West Bengal, have received an eviction notice from the Ministry of Defence, demanding that they vacate the land within 15 days. The land in question, situated near the site of a World War II-era airport, has been home to the residents for generations. The airport was originally built by the British government around 1940 for wartime purposes.

The land was abandoned after the war, but in 1942, during the ongoing conflict, the British issued a temporary evacuation order for the local villagers due to the risk of bombings. Once the war ended, the villagers returned to their land and rebuilt their homes. Over the decades, the area underwent significant development, including the establishment of a currency mint (India Security Press), a Cobra Battalion training camp, and several factories. Despite these developments, the Ministry of Defence claims that the land remains under its ownership, citing the airport’s military history and its legal rights over the property.

The eviction notice was issued by the Defence Estate Officer (DEO), which has led to confusion and distress among the villagers. According to the notice, the residents are required to vacate the premises within a 15-day deadline. The villagers, many of whom are descendants of those who returned after the war, have disputed the notice, arguing that they have lived on the land for decades without issue. However, the Ministry of Defence maintains that the land is required for military purposes and has ordered its reclamation.

In response to the notice, the villagers have submitted various documents, including land records, to the Ministry of Defence to support their long-standing occupation of the land. Despite this, no formal resolution has been provided. In 2022, a similar eviction notice was issued, but no immediate action was taken at that time. Now, with the renewed notice, the villagers fear that they will be forcibly displaced without any compensation or provision for alternative housing.

The local administration, aware of the issue, is closely monitoring the situation. Madhumita Mukhopadhyay, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Medinipur, stated that the matter is under review, and a field survey will be conducted to assess the land and documents involved. Mukhopadhyay emphasized that no official government notice regarding the eviction has been received at this time, and further investigation will be needed before any action is taken. The villagers, however, have made it clear that they are unwilling to leave without a fair resolution to their claims.