Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives made a bold statement on Tuesday, asserting that threats or backlash will not force him to stop anti-encroachment operations in Assam. Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said his government is committed to reclaiming government land and protecting forest areas, even if it means facing criticism or resistance.
The Chief Minister’s statement comes amid rising tensions and sharp criticism over recent eviction drives in districts like Nagaon, Lakhimpur, and Barpeta. Rights groups and opposition parties have accused the state government of targeting minority communities and using force to displace residents.
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Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives: “I will not step back”
Responding to the criticism, Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives firmly said, “I will not stop, even if I receive threats. My job is to protect government land. Encroachment cannot be allowed in the name of politics or appeasement.”
He stressed that the eviction drives are not aimed at any one community but are part of a consistent state policy. According to him, the government is following due process and only removing illegal settlers from protected and reserved lands.
He also clarified that genuine landless families are being offered alternative land and resettlement options through government schemes. “We are not heartless. But we won’t compromise on the rule of law,” he added.
Recent eviction operations in Assam
In recent weeks, the Assam government has intensified land clearance drives in several districts. Bulldozers have been used to demolish houses, shops, and religious structures claimed to be illegally constructed on government or forest land.
In Barpeta district alone, over 1,500 families were evicted last week. The opposition Congress and AIUDF slammed the move, alleging that the poor were being punished while big encroachers remained untouched.
Despite the backlash, Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives has remained defiant. He stated, “I have the people’s mandate to act. If we don’t take action now, Assam’s land will be lost forever.”
Political and public reactions
Opposition parties have accused the BJP-led government of using eviction drives as a tool of voter intimidation. Congress leader Debabrata Saikia said, “These actions are politically motivated. The government is targeting minorities under the guise of development.”
Human rights organisations have also raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis created by such mass displacements. Several families have been left homeless, with many lacking access to basic shelter, food, or water.
Yet, a section of the public and civil society have voiced support for the evictions, saying illegal land grabbing must stop. Farmers’ groups in Upper Assam welcomed the move, saying that government land should be returned for agriculture or public use.
Himanta defends legality and purpose of the drives
Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives reiterated that every operation is backed by notices and legal orders. He challenged his critics to show proof if any eviction was done unlawfully. “We have records and satellite images showing illegal settlements mushrooming over time,” he said.
He also explained that many of these lands are part of reserved forests or government projects. Encroachments have delayed developmental works like schools, hospitals, and flood embankments.
Moreover, the Chief Minister accused certain groups of spreading false narratives to create communal tension. “I request the media and people to verify facts before forming opinions,” he stated.
Conclusion
The bold stance of Himanta Biswa Sarma on eviction drives has once again put Assam’s land policy under the national spotlight. While his supporters view him as a strong administrator enforcing the law, critics accuse him of insensitivity and bias.
As more eviction drives are expected in the coming weeks, the debate is likely to intensify. The core issue remains whether land rights, humanitarian concerns, and development can be balanced without causing large-scale suffering.
For now, one thing is clear: Sarma has no intention of backing down, and the state’s anti-encroachment campaign will continue.
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