Assam govt aims to free 5 lakh bighas of land from encroachers in next term: CM Sarma
Guwahati, Feb 20
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said that the state government has already freed more than 1.5 lakh bighas of land from illegal encroachment and has set a target of clearing five lakh bighas of land from encroachers during its next term.
Addressing a public gathering at Natanpur in Cachar district under the Vibrant Village Programme, Sarma said protecting land and safeguarding the rights of indigenous people remain key priorities of the BJP-led state government.
The event was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was on a two-day visit to Assam as part of official and developmental engagements.
"Our government has freed more than 1.5 lakh bighas of land from encroachers. In the next term, we have taken a resolve to free five lakh bighas of land from encroachers," Sarma said, reiterating the government's commitment to protecting Assam's land resources and demographic identity.
The Chief Minister said illegal encroachment had posed a serious threat to Assam's demographic balance, land ownership patterns, and economic stability for several decades, but the present government had taken firm and decisive measures to address the issue through lawful eviction drives.
He added that eviction operations were conducted strictly in accordance with legal provisions and aimed at restoring land to its rightful owners as well as for public and developmental use.
Highlighting the Vibrant Village Programme, Sarma said the initiative seeks to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in border and remote villages, thereby ensuring inclusive development and enhancing national security.
He emphasised that border villages should be regarded as the "first villages of India" rather than the last, and their development is essential to prevent migration, improve living standards, and ensure stability in sensitive frontier regions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the gathering, said the Vibrant Village Programme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of empowering border communities and integrating them fully into the country's development framework.
He also praised the Assam government for effectively implementing welfare schemes, strengthening governance, and maintaining law and order across the state.
The programme witnessed the participation of local residents, elected representatives, and government officials, who highlighted ongoing developmental works and expressed confidence in continued progress under the BJP-led government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While protecting land is important, I hope the eviction drives are conducted humanely. There should be a proper rehabilitation plan for those displaced, otherwise it just creates more problems. The government must balance law with compassion.
Finally, a government with the will to tackle this decades-old issue! Illegal encroachment has hurt Assam's demography and economy for too long. Freeing 5 lakh bighas is an ambitious but necessary target. Jai Assam! 🇮🇳
The Vibrant Village Programme sounds promising. Developing border areas with better infrastructure and livelihood opportunities is key to stopping migration and securing our frontiers. A good integration of development and security policy.
I appreciate the intent, but execution is everything. We've seen eviction drives before that led to controversy. The government must ensure complete transparency and fairness in identifying 'illegal encroachers'. The law should be applied uniformly.
As someone from the Northeast, this gives me hope. Land is our most precious resource. Using freed land for public and developmental purposes, especially in border villages, is the right approach. Hope they keep their promise.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.