Guwahati Residents Protest for Land Rights and Rehabilitation
Massive Protest in Guwahati
Guwahati, July 11: A wave of anger surged through the Sachal area of Guwahati on Friday as thousands participated in a significant protest advocating for land rights, compensation, and rehabilitation for families displaced from the Silsako Beel region three years ago.
The rally, organized by local residents, filled the streets with chants demanding, “Return our land, allow us to go home!”
Demonstrators accused the Assam government of neglecting its commitment to resettle the indigenous families while favoring large corporations and politically influential individuals with land allocations.
In 2021, shortly after taking office, the government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma executed an eviction operation that uprooted 1,203 households, primarily from the indigenous Kachari community, as part of a project to clear wetlands. Since that time, the affected families assert they have been left without homes, adequate compensation, or alternative housing.
One protestor expressed frustration, stating, “For three and a half years, we have been waiting. The Chief Minister assured us that rehabilitation would be arranged soon, but only advised us not to engage with the media.” They added, “We remained silent, trusting his words — yet we received nothing.”
Protesters highlighted a perceived inconsistency in the government's eviction policies. “In places like Garukhuti, Kaziranga, Dhubri, and Goalpara, evictions are followed by rehabilitation. Even illegal Bangladeshi settlers receive land; why are we, the indigenous people, overlooked?” questioned another participant.
Anger was also directed at cabinet ministers, including PHED & Housing Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah. One protestor claimed, “He has encroached on 70 bighas in Rangiya, constructed roads to his private properties, and acquired land throughout Assam — from Tezpur to Majuli. Yet they claim there is no land to resettle us?”
Another resident, who was evicted, recalled the Chief Minister's promises made during public gatherings: “He mentioned there would be a final meeting with GMDA officials, the Deputy Commissioner, and us — but that never occurred. How long must we plead for what is rightfully ours?”
Protesters criticized what they termed the CM’s “land grab nexus,” alleging that the state has transferred large areas of tribal land in Kokrajhar to major corporations like Adani. “He’s establishing industries on our evicted lands instead of utilizing the 107 bighas owned by his ministers,” an irate demonstrator remarked.
As discontent mounts, community leaders pledged that this protest marks just the beginning. “We have waited far too long. We will march to Janata Bhawan if our voices go unheard. We are prepared to fight to remove this government from power if our demands are not addressed,” declared one protestor.
The Silsako eviction has sparked broader discussions regarding the government's stance on land rights, rehabilitation, and its treatment of indigenous populations. Despite submitting over 50 memorandums to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other senior officials, residents claim they have only received hollow promises.
In the meantime, the protesters are insisting that compensation and rehabilitation be provided to the displaced individuals of Silsako, similar to those evicted in Bilasipara and other regions of Assam.