Abhijit Chaliha, Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reiterated the state government’s firm stance against land encroachment, urging the public not to shelter individuals evicted during ongoing land clearance drives. Speaking at an official programme in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Sarma warned that any such support could undermine the government’s efforts to safeguard land rights for indigenous communities. “Our people should not give them shelter. Otherwise, our position, which has become a little good through evictions and other steps, will become bad again,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized that these eviction operations are crucial to protecting the identity and future of the Assamese jati (community). Sarma revealed that approximately 29 lakh bighas—over 9.5 lakh acres—of land remain under encroachment in Assam. He asserted that the government would continue its clearance efforts with public cooperation, adding, “A lot of work is to be done... we will be able to do it and protect our jati.” Responding to concerns about displaced persons resettling elsewhere in the state, Sarma expressed confidence that the public is now more aware and unlikely to support such moves. “Our people are conscious now. I don’t think they will cooperate a lot,” he said. Reiterating his controversial claims, Sarma remarked that many of the encroachers are “illegal Bangladeshis” and “doubtful citizens.” He maintained that the state has no objection if such individuals “returned from where they came from.” Citing last week’s eviction drive in Uriamghat, on the Assam-Nagaland border, the CM highlighted its peaceful execution and cooperation from Naga residents and authorities. “There is no Naga aggression there,” he said.
Without naming specific groups, Sarma accused the alleged encroachers of creating social disturbances, including “love jihad” and “land jihad.” He accused them of converting forest areas into betelnut plantations and fisheries, saying, “We are the ones who should cry, but they are shedding tears.” Over the past four years, the state claims to have cleared 1.29 lakh bighas—around 42,500 acres—of encroached land, mostly from Village Grazing Reserves (VGR), Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR), Satras, Namghars, forest areas, and public land. To reassure indigenous groups, Sarma clarified on Sunday that “no Indian or Assamese” person would be evicted, stating that unauthorized occupation by indigenous communities would not be treated as encroachment. The remarks come amid ongoing debate and criticism from rights groups and political opponents over the humanitarian implications of the eviction policy.
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