Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised serious concerns over illegal land occupation across the state. Speaking at a land management workshop in Guwahati, he revealed that nearly 10 lakh acres remain under the control of illegal migrants and doubtful voters. He urged officials to act swiftly to recover the land and restore it to the public.
Read More: Indigenous Involvement Key in Siang Hydro Project: Arunachal CM
Widespread Encroachment Raises Alarm
According to the Chief Minister, encroachment is widespread across government, forest, and religious lands. Many of these cases are concentrated in Lower Assam and Barak Valley, where demographic changes have sparked ongoing debates. Sarma directly accused illegal Bangladeshi settlers and individuals with unverified citizenship of occupying these lands.
He said, “Encroachers have taken over nearly 10 lakh acres in Assam. These include forest land, revenue plots, and land owned by satras. We cannot stay silent.”
Focus on Indigenous Land Rights
CM Sarma emphasized the urgency of protecting the rights of indigenous communities. He said these groups are being displaced as illegal settlers continue to grow in number and influence. The Chief Minister warned that allowing the encroachment to persist would permanently alter Assam’s social and cultural fabric.
He added, “Indigenous people are slowly losing their land. This is not due to weakness but because the system has failed to protect their rights.”
To address this issue, the state government plans to carry out thorough land verification and initiate legal action where required.
Using Technology to Tackle the Crisis
To ensure proper identification of encroached areas, the government has launched a digital initiative. Satellite imagery, drones, and digital land records will now play a key role in tracing and reclaiming occupied land. This will allow district authorities to detect unauthorized settlements and take action without delay.
Sarma stated that the administration would use these tools to map affected zones and identify the parties involved in illegal land encroachment in Assam. The digitization process also aims to reduce corruption and disputes over land titles.
NRC and Security Links Resurface
The Chief Minister connected the encroachment issue to national security and the NRC (National Register of Citizens). He pointed out that many encroachers fall under the “doubtful citizen” category and may have failed to produce proper citizenship documents during the NRC exercise.
“Reclaiming land is just as critical as identifying illegal citizens. We must act on both fronts,” he said.
Sarma has often highlighted the dangers of demographic imbalance in Assam due to unchecked migration. His recent remarks again suggest that land rights and citizenship issues must be addressed together.
Eviction Drives May Resume Soon
Since 2021, Assam has carried out several eviction drives in districts like Darrang, Nagaon, and Lakhimpur. These operations aimed to free public land from illegal occupation. Some of them faced opposition, and a few turned violent. Despite criticism, the government insists these drives are necessary.
With Sarma’s renewed focus, officials expect similar eviction efforts to resume soon. He instructed land officers and district collectors to prepare clear records and take firm but lawful action.
“Prepare the data, verify identities, and act where necessary. We must bring fairness back to land ownership,” he said.
Mixed Political Reactions
Opposition parties accused the BJP government of using the issue to divert attention from unemployment and rising prices. They warned that such comments might lead to communal tensions and fear.
Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia responded, “Instead of focusing on development, the government keeps spreading fear. Every citizen deserves due process.”
However, several regional bodies and tribal organizations supported Sarma’s remarks. Groups like AASU and AGP backed the call to protect native land ownership and urged authorities to act decisively.
Protecting Assam’s Future
The problem of illegal land encroachment in Assam has deep roots. Experts agree that any solution must combine legality, technology, and sensitivity. Abrupt evictions could trigger humanitarian issues, especially in areas where documentation is weak or disputed.
Legal experts stressed the need for a transparent appeals process and public awareness campaigns. They argued that this approach would reduce errors and build public trust.
Still, many Assamese citizens have welcomed the Chief Minister’s bold stand. They believe the government has a duty to defend their land and preserve their identity.
As Assam moves forward, its leaders must walk a fine line—defending the rights of indigenous people while ensuring human dignity for all residents.
Read More: Raw Garlic Daily: Why Eating 2 Cloves Can Boost Your Health