Assam's Anti-Encroachment Drive: Government Claims Success Amid Opposition Criticism

Ongoing Anti-Encroachment Efforts in Assam

Emphasizing the continuation of the anti-encroachment initiative, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Thursday that over 25,000 acres of land have been reclaimed from encroachment across the state in the past four years.

In contrast, the Congress party has criticized this anti-encroachment campaign, pledging that if they come to power, they will provide fair compensation to all Indian citizens displaced during the tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Another opposition group, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), staged protests in Dhubri district regarding this issue. Recently, a large-scale anti-encroachment operation turned violent, prompting police to use force to manage the alleged encroachers.

During a press conference following a cabinet meeting, Sarma remarked that the Assam government has successfully cleared thousands of bighas of land from encroachment over the last four years, estimating that the total is no less than 25,000 acres, which he considers significant.

Sarma also announced plans for another press briefing next week, where he will present comprehensive data related to the anti-encroachment efforts since he took office as Chief Minister in May 2021.

Congress MP Rakibul Hussain stated that if their party gains power in the state, they will ensure compensation for all Indian citizens who were displaced during the campaigns conducted under the BJP government.