Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a strong warning to residents against giving shelter to evicted encroachers. The statement came in the backdrop of ongoing eviction drives in several parts of the state aimed at reclaiming government and forest land.
On August 4, Sarma emphasized that individuals or communities who aid evicted persons in returning to cleared lands will face strict legal action. The warning reflects the government’s firm approach towards illegal occupation and land encroachment.
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Strong message from the CM
Speaking during a public function in Nagaon district, Sarma made it clear that eviction is not just a one-time act but part of a continuous enforcement strategy. He said, “Eviction will happen again and again if people return. No one should support or help them reclaim what was illegally occupied.”
The chief minister reiterated that the government’s land policy is aligned with both the law and the long-term interests of Assam’s indigenous population. He stated that returning encroachers undermine the purpose of eviction and destabilize legal ownership patterns.
Sarma also warned that gram panchayats, local leaders, or political groups who attempt to protect or rehouse such individuals could face administrative and legal consequences.
Statewide eviction campaign
Assam’s eviction drives have been a major focus under the BJP-led government. In the past few years, authorities have cleared vast tracts of land in Darrang, Hojai, Nagaon, and Sonitpur districts. These lands had been illegally occupied for years, often by settlers without legal documentation.
Sarma pointed out that many of these encroachments were built on land meant for public utilities, agriculture, or forest conservation. “These lands were encroached without any legal title. We are simply restoring them to their rightful purpose,” he added.
So far, thousands of hectares have been recovered across the state. In some regions, the government has begun planning housing, schools, and agriculture projects on the reclaimed land.
Public cooperation stressed
While the government carries out the operations, Sarma appealed to the public for full cooperation. He asked people to avoid spreading misinformation or resisting the drives. “We are acting within the law. We are not targeting any group but only removing those who have no legal right to the land,” he said.
Sarma also encouraged local administrations to carry out awareness programs, informing people about land rights, documentation, and the risks of illegal settlement. “It’s not enough to evict; we need to educate so people don’t repeat mistakes,” he noted.
In areas prone to re-encroachment, the government plans to strengthen surveillance using drones and boundary demarcation. In addition, village councils will be held responsible for reporting fresh encroachments.
Political reactions and concerns
The chief minister’s statement has drawn reactions from opposition leaders and rights activists. Some accused the government of using eviction as a political tool. They allege that certain communities are being disproportionately affected and that resettlement plans are lacking.
However, government officials insist that the process is non-discriminatory and guided solely by land records. In a recent press briefing, a senior official from the revenue department said, “The law applies equally. Those who cannot prove ownership will not be allowed to stay.”
Sarma dismissed allegations of bias, stating that protecting public land is not negotiable. “Every inch of illegal encroachment will be dealt with,” he said.
Legal backing and future steps
The Assam government has already amended several land and tenancy laws to simplify the eviction process. Authorities no longer require lengthy court processes to remove encroachments in certain cases, especially on reserved forest and government lands.
According to the state government, new laws also allow faster identification of illegally occupied areas and streamline the process of issuing eviction notices.
Looking ahead, the chief minister said more districts will see fresh eviction action soon. Special task forces have been constituted to monitor these operations. In addition, the government has requested increased coordination from the Forest Department and police units.
To prevent future encroachment, the administration plans to digitize land records and make plot maps available online for transparency. A portal will also be launched for landholders to report illegal occupation.
A message to all stakeholders
Sarma ended his address with a final reminder to residents and political groups: “The message is simple — do not shelter evicted encroachers. If you do, the law will reach you.”
His words serve not just as a warning but as a clear policy signal. Assam’s government appears determined to continue its land reclamation policy regardless of public resistance or criticism.
The larger objective, Sarma claims, is to ensure land security, environmental protection, and proper urban and rural development planning. He believes that without firm action, the state’s resources and ecology will continue to suffer.
As eviction drives expand and monitoring increases, residents across Assam will have to think twice before aiding or sheltering individuals without rightful land claims.
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