Guwahati: In ongoing efforts to address land encroachments across Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday the initiation of an eviction drive in Margherita, Tinsukia district. Speaking to reporters at an event in Margherita, Sarma expressed alarm over an influx of 10,000 to 12,000 unidentified individuals into the area. He asserted that the primary threat to Margherita comes not from local indigenous communities-such as the Moran, Matak, Ahom, Gorkha, and Koch Rajbongshi-but from these outsiders.
Sarma highlighted the necessity of granting land rights to these long-standing communities to mitigate future unrest, stating, “The land rights of the tribal communities will remain protected.” He pointed out that similar rights had been awarded in Dhemaji, Jonai, Biswanath, and Dhakuakhana, where tribal communities welcomed these measures without dissent. The Chief Minister called for unity among all communities to secure the future of Assam, advocating for collective efforts in the state’s interest and the preservation of Assamese identity.
Further discussions with Tinsukia District Commissioner and Superintendent of Police revolved around the upcoming eviction plans, referencing past operations in Uriamghat, Doyang, and Nambor South Reserve Forests. Addressing the broader issue of encroachment linked to Bangladesh-origin Muslims, Sarma acknowledged previous shortcomings in protecting districts in lower and middle Assam and stated that current initiatives will focus on safeguarding districts in upper and northern Assam. He added that those evicted will be removed from electoral rolls.
In a related note, the Gauhati High Court, during a hearing on August 18 regarding appeals by 74 families from Doyang and Nambor South Reserve Forests contesting eviction notices, ordered them to vacate encroached land within seven days. The state government was also instructed to take measures preventing future encroachments. During the hearing, it was revealed that approximately 2.9 million bighas of reserved forest land across Assam are under encroachment, with over 100,000 bighas cleared to date. Subsequently, these families approached the Supreme Court to contest the High Court’s ruling, which on August 21 issued a status quo notice to the state government.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/eviction-drive-planned-in-margherita-to-protect-natives-land-rights-sarma/articleshow/123488108.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-08-25 03:06:00
