Unjust Eviction Drives in Assam Face Strong Opposition: CPI Demands Immediate Halt

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has vociferously called for an immediate cessation of the “inhumane” and “arbitrary” Assam eviction drives currently underway across the state. This critical demand was articulated by CPI state secretary Kanak Gogoi during a press conference held in Nazira on July 15. The party has raised significant concerns regarding the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government’s approach, emphasizing the lack of adherence to established guidelines and the profound human impact of these actions.

Core Demands and Criticisms Regarding Assam Eviction Drives

• Adherence to Supreme Court Guidelines: The CPI insists that the state government must strictly follow Supreme Court guidelines concerning evictions. This includes providing appropriate and adequate alternative rehabilitation for all those displaced.
• Questioning Rehabilitation Efforts: Gogoi openly criticized the government’s offer of 1.5 kathas of land and Rs 50,000 as compensation, labeling it contradictory and insufficient. He alleged that the Chief Minister’s actions are geared towards facilitating land acquisition for major corporate entities such as Adani, Ambani, and Ramdev, rather than supporting the local populace affected by the Assam eviction drives.
• Opposition to Privatization and Corporate Land Grab: The party strongly urged the public to resist the government’s broader policy of privatization and its corporate-friendly land acquisition initiatives. They underscored that the unique identity and territorial integrity of Assam cannot be preserved by dispossessing its own people.
• Ensuring Land Rights for Indigenous People: A key demand is for the government to leverage existing land laws to allocate land to all indigenous landless communities and to issue land pattas to farmers who have been cultivating on encroached lands. The CPI highlighted a perceived double standard, questioning the government’s sincerity when officials and ministers themselves have reportedly acquired land for their families amidst ongoing Assam eviction drives.

Calls for Opposition Unity Against the Ruling Party’s Policies

• United Front Against BJP: Kanak Gogoi issued a fervent appeal to all Opposition parties to forge a united front against the BJP-led government. He stressed that no single party possesses the capacity to independently defeat the BJP alliance.
• Protecting Constitutional and Federal Structures: Gogoi emphasized the critical importance of Opposition unity in safeguarding the Constitution and the country’s federal structure, which he believes are under threat from the BJP’s divisive political agenda.
• Beyond Electoral Politics: The CPI leader called upon the Opposition to transcend election-centric discussions and instead build a robust, united struggle at the grassroots level. He advised Opposition leaders to exercise caution in their public statements and to collaboratively develop a credible alternative policy framework. This strategic approach is seen as crucial to counter the government’s narrative surrounding Assam eviction drives and other policies.

Additional Concerns and Demands Beyond Assam Eviction Drives

• ULFA Peace Talks: The CPI expressed strong disapproval of the government’s alleged attempts to derail the peace talk process with ULFA by attacking their camps in Myanmar. They firmly asserted that the ULFA issue should be treated primarily as a political problem requiring dialogue and negotiation.
• ST Status and Special State Status: The party demanded that six specific communities be granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Furthermore, they called for special state status for Assam under Articles 370 and 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution. They appealed to existing ST communities to support these demands, emphasizing that it would prevent outsiders from claiming ownership of Assam’s land, a concern often intertwined with the impacts of Assam eviction drives.
• Addressing Drought-like Situations: Gogoi pointed out the state’s apparent inability to effectively manage drought-like conditions, thereby exposing what he termed the government’s “hollow claims” regarding agricultural preparedness and development.
• Agricultural Reforms: To bolster agricultural productivity, the CPI state Secretary demanded that the government develop a comprehensive irrigation system capable of supporting two to three crop cycles annually in all cultivable fields.
• Investigation into Scams: Finally, the CPI demanded a high-level investigation into the alleged cattle smuggling and cow sale scam at Goru Khuti’s agricultural farm, advocating for stringent punishment for all individuals found guilty.

Conclusion: A United Stand Against Dispossession

The CPI’s comprehensive demands highlight widespread discontent with the current government’s policies, particularly the controversial Assam eviction drives. Their call for Opposition unity and a focus on fundamental land rights and constitutional protection underscores a critical juncture in Assam’s socio-political landscape. The party’s firm stance serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equitable treatment for the state’s indigenous and landless populations.