Don’t Shelter Evicted Encroachers, Warns Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a strong warning to the public against providing shelter to individuals evicted during the ongoing land clearance drives across the state. Emphasizing the government's uncompromising approach toward encroachment, the Chief Minister said such actions could undo the progress made in securing land rights for indigenous communities.

Speaking in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) during an official programme, Sarma stated, “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.” He reiterated that the eviction efforts are part of a broader mission to safeguard the identity and interests of the Assamese “jati” (community).

According to Sarma, around 29 lakh bighas, more than 9.5 lakh acres, of land are still under encroachment in Assam. He assured that the government is committed to continuing the eviction drives with public cooperation. “A lot of work is to be done, and if people cooperate with us, we will be able to do it and protect our jati,” he added.

Addressing concerns about the possible resettlement of evicted individuals in other parts of Assam, Sarma said he trusts that the public is now more conscious. “Our people are conscious now. I don’t think they will cooperate a lot,” he said.

Reiterating his earlier claims, Sarma said that the state had no objection if the evicted individuals “returned from where they came from,” referring to them as “illegal Bangladeshis” and “doubtful citizens.”

He also highlighted the peaceful nature of the recent eviction drive in Uriamghat, located along the Assam-Nagaland border, stating that it was conducted without resistance and with cooperation from the Naga community and their government. “There is no Naga aggression there,” he said. Although he did not name any specific community, Sarma alleged that the encroachers were responsible for several societal problems. “By turning our forests into betelnut plantations and fisheries, they are harassing us. Who is doing ‘love jihad’? It is happening on us. Who has done ‘land jihad’? It is happening on us. We are the ones who should cry, but they are shedding tears,” he remarked.

Over the past four years, the Assam government claims to have cleared over 1.29 lakh bighas (approximately 42,500 acres) of encroached land. Sarma said these areas were primarily occupied by illegal immigrants and people with questionable citizenship status.

The state government plans to continue clearing unauthorized occupations from Village Grazing Reserves (VGR), Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR), Satras, Namghars, forest land, and other public properties in a phased manner.

On Sunday, the Chief Minister sought to reassure indigenous communities, stating, “The government will never evict any Indian or Assamese people.” He also clarified that unauthorized settlements by indigenous groups would not be treated as encroachment. The statement comes amid intensifying political debates and criticism from opposition parties and rights groups over the perceived humanitarian implications of the eviction drives.