CM Sarma Sounds Alarm on Encroachment of Assam's Satras, Vows to Reclaim Heritage Lands

GUWAHATI: The state’s historic Satras — the centuries-old institutions founded by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev to spread the Neo-Vaishnavite faith in Assam — are under grave threat, according to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In a social media post on Friday, the Chief Minister described Satras as much more than religious sites. He said they are also cultural and social hubs where traditions like Borgeet, Sattriya dance, Chali, Jhumura, Dashavatar performances, and the preservation of old manuscripts and historical records are kept alive.

“Satras are not just monasteries; they are the heart of our heritage,” he wrote. However, he warned that these sacred places are under serious threat due to widespread land encroachment.

According to a recent report by the commission set up to examine Satra land issues, over 15,288 bighas of Satra land across Assam have been illegally taken over. In the Barpeta district alone, 7,137 bighas are under encroachment. Other affected districts include Bajali, Nagaon, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Kamrup, Bongaigaon, Majuli, and Dhubri.

“This is the truth, and it is a painful one,” said CM Sarma. “We are fully committed to saving our identity and culture. We will continue to work to reclaim every Satra. But we cannot do it without your support,” he added.

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