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Assam's Land Reclamation Drive: How the State Is Pushing Back Against Infiltrators

The Assam government is ramping up efforts to take back forest land and public property from alleged encroachers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma linked this drive to protecting the state's demographic and territorial integrity. He appealed to locals not to sell land to outsiders, warning it could lead to a loss of land to infiltrators. Sarma stated that public cooperation has strengthened the administration's ability to act decisively.

Key Points: Assam CM Intensifies Drive to Reclaim Forest Land from Encroachers

  • Government is reclaiming forest lands plundered and grabbed over the years
  • CM warns against selling land to unknown individuals due to economic hardship
  • Action cited includes ending rhino poaching and recovering encroached forests
  • The drive is framed as fulfilling the dreams and sacrifices of over 850 martyrs
2 min read

Assam govt intensifies drive to reclaim forest land

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announces a intensified drive to reclaim encroached forest land and public property, vowing to protect the state's territorial integrity.

"Today, if anyone attempts to infiltrate Assam, this government and Assamese society have begun the process of sending them back within two hours of their arrival. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, Dec 10

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the state government has intensified its drive to reclaim forest lands and public property allegedly encroached upon over the years, asserting that decisive steps have been taken to “push back” infiltrators and protect Assam’s territorial and demographic integrity.

Speaking at the public event of Swahid Divas here, Sarma said the government has “started reclaiming lands from those who plundered Assam’s forest resources and grabbed land”, adding that in Bayadrava, authorities acted promptly against those who had “entered Assam illegally”.

“Today, if anyone attempts to infiltrate Assam, this government and Assamese society have begun the process of sending them back within two hours of their arrival,” he said, stressing that public cooperation has strengthened administrative action.

Sarma said Assamese society is becoming economically self-reliant, enabling the collective aspiration for a “new Assam”.

The Chief Minister reiterated that this vision is rooted in the sacrifices of over 860 martyrs, whose role in safeguarding the state’s identity and interests, he said, remains foundational.

“An Assam built on their sacrifices will be beautiful in every aspect—an Assam full of self-respect,” he said.

He added that the state is “moving forward as our martyrs dreamed”, citing the end of rhino poaching incidents, recovery of encroached forests, and what he described as firm action against infiltration.

Reiterating concerns over the alleged sale of land to outsiders, Sarma appealed to the Assamese community not to sell land to unknown individuals due to economic hardship, warning that such trends could lead to “loss of land to infiltrators”.

He further urged local business owners to avoid appointing people whose identity and background are not known.

The Chief Minister said Assam today stands at an important juncture, with improved security, stronger social confidence and renewed determination.

“We march towards a new Assam built on the sacrifices of more than 850 martyrs,” he said, calling for collective vigilance and unity in preserving the state’s cultural and territorial heritage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While reclaiming forest land is good, the language used about "infiltrators" and "pushing back" within two hours is worrying. It can lead to profiling and harassment of poor communities, including many Indian citizens. The focus should be on legal due process, not rhetoric.
A
Aman W
Good move! Our martyrs sacrificed for Assam's identity. We must protect our land, culture, and resources. The appeal to not sell land to unknown people is very important. Economic pressure is real, but we must think of the long-term consequences for our children. Jai Ai Asom!
S
Sarah B
Reading this from abroad. It's a complex issue. Environmental protection is a global imperative, and reclaiming forests is positive. However, any action must respect human rights and avoid creating humanitarian crises. Balance is key.
K
Karthik V
The end of rhino poaching is a massive achievement for which the govt deserves credit. If this drive helps protect more wildlife and our precious Kaziranga, I'm all for it. But implementation matters most – it should not become an excuse for displacement of vulnerable locals.
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Nisha Z
As an Assamese, I feel a sense of relief. The demographic change has been a genuine fear for decades. My only request is to also provide support and alternatives to those who are displaced, if they are legitimate residents. A "new Assam" should be compassionate too.

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