No place for encroachers in Assam, state has zero tolerance policy: CM
2
Guwahati: Assam chief minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma
on Thursday delivered a powerful message of zero tolerance for illegal land encroachments as state govt cleared a staggering area of over 3,000 acres (~12 sq km) of encroached land in the ongoing eviction drive at Uriamghat in Golaghat district, bordering Nagaland.
With this decisive action, Sarma said, Assam has now freed a colossal 45,950 acres (~182 sq km) from illegal occupants, reinforcing the administration's ironclad commitment to protect state land and uphold law and order.
Sarma credited Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Police, and the CRPF for their unwavering support in maintaining neutrality and ensuring smooth execution in the sensitive Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border.
"Their cooperation was crucial to our success," he said.
Uriamghat is a sensitive forest belt. Rengma Reserve Forest, situated in Golaghat district, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and proximity to the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, a critical wildlife corridor. Over the years, the area has witnessed increasing illegal encroachments, primarily by non-indigenous settlers, resulting in deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and disruption of the ecological balance.
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Eviction drive in the area continued for the third day on Thursday.
Addressing the contentious 'miyaland' (miya for Bangladesh-origin immigrant Muslims) demand from evicted settlers, Sarma was blunt and uncompromising. "If they want a homeland, let it be in Bangladesh — not Assam. Assam will never be a refuge for illegal settlers. We will assist them in relocating to Bangladesh, where there is ample land. If not there, then Afghanistan is an option.
Assam is not for encroachers," Sarma said.
Assam has been grappling with widespread illegal encroachments on its forest and govt lands for decades, leading to loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, and demographic imbalance. To restore ecological balance and protect indigenous rights, state govt has launched an aggressive eviction campaign targeting illegal settlers.
With these eviction drives, Assam's leadership has sent a resounding warning — illegal encroachment and demographic distortion will no longer be tolerated. The state stands firm in defending its land, people, and future with uncompromising resolve.
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