Guwahati, Assam – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again underscored his government’s resolute commitment to continuing the extensive Assam eviction drive across the state. This assertive stance comes amidst ongoing operations and growing debates, as the administration moves to reclaim vast tracts of government land from what it terms “illegal Bangladeshi settlers” and other encroachers. The drive, while defended as crucial for protecting the land rights of indigenous communities and paving the way for developmental projects, has drawn significant criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties and displaced families.
Speaking to the media in Kokrajhar, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the core objective of the Assam eviction drive: safeguarding the land and cultural identity of Assam’s indigenous population. He specifically cited recent evictions in the Lakhimpur district, explaining that these actions were necessary to protect local residents from an influx of individuals from areas like Karimganj, Dhubri, Chappar, and Silchar. “If anyone has a problem with the removal of 350 illegal Bangladeshis, they will have to bear it,” Sarma stated emphatically, signaling his government’s firm resolve.
The Unyielding March of the Assam Eviction Drive
The current phase of the Assam eviction drive is notably comprehensive, extending beyond initial targets to encompass more areas. Sarma announced that the campaign would soon reach Chappar in Dhubri district, among other locations. This expansion highlights the government’s systematic approach to land reclamation. Furthermore, the Chief Minister disclosed that as part of these ongoing operations, 18 individuals without valid documents were deported on July 5 from Cachar and Sribhumi districts, emphasizing the multi-faceted nature of the government’s approach to addressing illegal residency.
Recent large-scale operations have underscored the intensity of the Assam eviction drive. In Dhubri district, a significant drive was carried out to clear approximately 3,500 bighas (over 450 hectares) of government land, primarily occupied by Bengali-speaking Muslim families. This particular eviction, described as one of the largest in Assam’s history, aimed to pave the way for a proposed 3,200 MW thermal power project, a collaboration envisioned with the Adani Group and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). Reports indicate that this single operation alone displaced around 1,400 families, impacting an estimated 20,000 individuals across villages like Charuwabakhra, Santoshpur, and Chirakuta Pt. 1.
Assam Eviction Drive Encounters Resistance and Rehabilitation
While a substantial number of families voluntarily vacated the land after receiving prior notices, the Assam eviction drive has not been entirely without incident. Tensions flared in some areas, particularly in Chappar, Dhubri, where evicted settlers reportedly resisted, leading to clashes with security forces. Instances of stone-pelting and damage to excavators were reported, prompting police to resort to baton charges to control the situation. Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, who attempted to visit the eviction sites to meet displaced families, was also detained, highlighting the volatile nature of some of these operations.
Despite the confrontations, the administration has asserted that due process is being followed. Officials have stated that eviction notices were served well in advance, and surveys were conducted prior to the operations. Furthermore, efforts are being made for the rehabilitation of some affected families. In Dhubri, a one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000 has been disbursed to eligible families, and landless families are reportedly being considered for temporary rehabilitation at Baizar Alga in Athani circle. However, critics argue that the compensation and rehabilitation measures are often inadequate, leaving many displaced individuals in a precarious situation.
The Broader Context of the Assam Eviction Drive
The Assam eviction drive is rooted in a long-standing and complex history of land encroachment and demographic changes in the state. For decades, large tracts of government land, including forest areas and riverine islands, have been settled by various communities. The state government, under Chief Minister Sarma, views these drives as imperative for restoring indigenous land rights and ensuring planned development. The Chief Minister has consistently argued that the land reclaimed will be utilized for public interest projects, such as power plants and agricultural initiatives.
The government’s determination is also underscored by its resolve to free up land for large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposed thermal power plant in Dhubri, for instance, is estimated to cost around ₹40,000 crore and is expected to significantly transform Assam’s energy landscape, potentially creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The political discourse surrounding the Assam eviction drive remains sharply divided. Chief Minister Sarma has accused opposition leaders, particularly the Congress, of politicizing the issue and attempting to shield illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics. He maintains that his government is focused on protecting the genuine Assamese population. Conversely, opposition parties and activists have condemned the drives as “inhumane and unconstitutional,” alleging that they disproportionately target specific communities, particularly Bengali-origin Muslims, and that some evictions are carried out despite pending court orders.
The ongoing Assam eviction drive is a contentious issue with significant social, economic, and political implications. While the government remains steadfast in its commitment to reclaim land for indigenous rights and developmental initiatives, the human cost and the legal challenges associated with these operations continue to fuel a vigorous public debate. As Assam moves forward with its ambitious agenda, the balance between development, land rights, and the welfare of displaced communities remains a critical challenge.
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