Assam Government's Eviction Drive: A Controversial Stand on Indigenous Rights

Intensifying Eviction Campaign in Assam

Guwahati, July 25: The Assam government is gearing up to escalate its eviction efforts throughout the state. Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah has made bold statements, comparing the eviction initiatives to warfare, asserting that while casualties may occur, they are necessary for safeguarding the rights and identity of the indigenous Assamese population.

“Even in warfare, there are casualties. In this battle against illegal encroachments, we might face some regrettable incidents. However, I want to assure you that the government is ready to provide compensation for any such losses,” Mallabaruah stated during a press conference in Guwahati on Friday. His comments come amid rising concerns regarding the humanitarian aspects of extensive evictions in the area.

Addressing the issue of alleged attacks on Assam Police by suspected illegal settlers, Mallabaruah remarked, “It is unfortunate that illegal encroachers are not only taking over land but are also aggressively confronting state authorities and our indigenous communities. This behavior is intolerable. The BJP government will consistently advocate for the safety and rights of Assam's indigenous people.”

The Minister highlighted the urgency of taking decisive action to prevent Assam from losing its distinct cultural and demographic identity. “The indigenous Assamese community must unite to safeguard our demographics and heritage. If we fail to act promptly, our voice and identity could be irreversibly lost,” he cautioned.

The current eviction campaign is focused on illegal encroachments in the Adingiri hill and adjacent forested areas of Guwahati. Notices have been issued to alleged encroachers in the Surjyapahar region, where the administration claims unauthorized structures, including madrasas and mosques, have been established on forest land. These individuals have been instructed to vacate within a week or face eviction.

Officials from the forest department have pointed out violations of Sections 24 and 25 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, highlighting issues of deforestation and unauthorized settlements within the protected areas of the Fatasil Reserve Forest.

As preparations are made to deploy bulldozers and commence the eviction drive in the coming week, security measures in the region have been heightened.