Protests Erupt in Assam Over Government Eviction Drives Targeting Minorities
Growing Opposition to Eviction Drives in Assam
Guwahati, July 12: As the Assam government escalates its eviction efforts across various districts to remove what it deems encroached land, protests have surged, particularly from groups advocating for minority rights.
On Saturday, the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) organized demonstrations in several districts, including Dhubri, Nagaon, Goalpara, and Biswanath, denouncing the eviction actions as "inhumane" and "politically driven".
AAMSU has labeled the evictions a "conspiracy" against minority populations, submitting memoranda to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma via local district officials, demanding an immediate cessation of what they describe as "illegal evictions".
“We are not opposed to eviction drives per se. However, we stand against the eviction of Indian citizens who have valid documentation proving their citizenship. The government has failed to provide any rehabilitation plans, which is unacceptable,” stated Fakir Ali, a district adviser for AAMSU in Biswanath.
In Bijni, AAMSU representatives noted that many of those evicted were victims of soil erosion, compelled to occupy government land as they had no alternatives.
“No rational person would choose to live on government land. These individuals have been displaced by river erosion and have nowhere else to go,” remarked Rasul Khan, Assistant General Secretary of AAMSU.
Khan also raised concerns about whether the alleged encroachers were exclusively from the minority community. “We demand transparency. Are there no other encroachers? Or is this action specifically targeting us?”
AAMSU protests in Bijni (AT Photo)
Working President Sofikul Islam Prince accused the government of selectively targeting minorities in the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that the actions are politically motivated.
Leading the protest in Chirang, district president Nazir Rahman claimed that the government was disregarding court orders.
“The eviction drives are being executed without adhering to the guidelines set by the High Court and Supreme Court. This constitutes a violation of human rights,” he stated.
He further emphasized the humanitarian crisis resulting from the evictions, stating, “The bulldozers have left women, children, and the elderly homeless. Children are losing access to education. Women lack facilities for sanitation and healthcare. Homes, mosques, and madrassas have been destroyed.”
AAMSU protests in Chirang (AT Photo)
The student organization has warned of larger protests across the state if their demands are not addressed. “Thousands from the minority community will take to the streets if we are ignored,” Rahman warned.
Previously, on July 7, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his government’s commitment to intensifying eviction efforts throughout Assam, targeting alleged encroachments on government land by illegal immigrants.
"No one can stop us. Bangladeshi nationals will be evicted," he declared.