Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued a stern warning to individuals and organizations who may attempt to provide shelter to encroachers evicted from government and forest lands. The statement comes in the wake of the state’s renewed crackdown on illegal occupation of land, with large-scale eviction drives being carried out across multiple districts. Sarma has reiterated that the government remains committed to reclaiming public and protected land from illegal settlers and that anyone interfering with the process will face strict action under the law.
Sarma’s warning has added a new dimension to the political and humanitarian debate surrounding the ongoing evictions in Assam — an issue that has drawn both support and criticism across various quarters.
Eviction Drive Across Assam Gains Momentum
Assam’s eviction campaign, largely targeted at encroachments on government and forest land, has been ramped up over the past few months. The administration has deployed police and paramilitary forces to clear areas that it claims have been illegally occupied for years. The drive spans several sensitive locations, including tribal belts and reserve forests.
The Chief Minister has made it clear that these evictions are part of a long-term policy to protect Assam’s land and demographic balance, adding that such illegal settlements often lead to law and order issues and distort land ownership records.
“Our government will not allow illegal encroachment of any form. If anyone shelters those who have been lawfully evicted, they too will face consequences,” Sarma said during a press interaction.
Evictions and Their Immediate Impact
Eviction drives have taken place in districts such as Lakhimpur, Barpeta, Sonitpur, and Nagaon. In many instances, makeshift houses, huts, and even semi-permanent constructions have been razed to the ground. These operations are usually carried out with bulldozers and security personnel to avoid resistance.
| District | Area Cleared (in hectares) | Number of Families Evicted | Type of Land |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barpeta | 250 | 1,200 | Forest Reserve |
| Lakhimpur | 180 | 950 | Government Khas Land |
| Sonitpur | 120 | 580 | Wildlife Protected Zone |
| Nagaon | 300 | 1,500 | Grazing Land |
| Goalpara | 90 | 400 | Riverine Areas |
According to official figures, nearly 5,000 families have been affected in the last six months alone, prompting civil society organizations and human rights groups to question the humanitarian implications of these drives.
Sarma’s Stand: Firm but Controversial
Chief Minister Sarma has maintained that these actions are legal and necessary. He stated that the government is acting only after proper verification and issuing prior notices. However, his administration has faced backlash from opposition parties and activists who allege that the evictions are targeted and lack adequate rehabilitation provisions.
“This is not about any religion or ethnicity. If you’re living on land you have no legal right to, then you must vacate. Simple,” Sarma asserted.
He further emphasized that any political leader or local organization offering refuge to evictees will be scrutinized, and if found guilty of aiding encroachment, legal action will be initiated.
Political Reactions and Opposition Criticism
The eviction policy has triggered a heated political debate. While the BJP government insists that the actions are aligned with court orders and land regulations, opposition parties including the Congress, AIUDF, and CPI(M) have condemned the government for carrying out evictions without proper resettlement plans.
Congress leader Debabrata Saikia commented:
“The government cannot just demolish homes and walk away. What happens to the children, the elderly, the sick? Is this governance or cruelty?”
AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, whose party enjoys significant support among minority groups, accused the Sarma administration of selective targeting:
“They are displacing only one community under the guise of legal process. This is discrimination dressed as governance.”
Civil Society and Legal Voices Raise Concern
Human rights organizations and lawyers have expressed serious concerns about the legality and humanitarian cost of these evictions. The All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) called the eviction drives “inhuman” and demanded a halt until rehabilitation policies are put in place.
The Assam State Legal Services Authority (ASLSA) has reportedly received multiple complaints alleging procedural lapses, lack of notices, and use of excessive force.
Socioeconomic Impact on the Ground
A significant number of those evicted are from economically weaker backgrounds, including daily wage laborers, farmers, and marginal communities. Many had lived in these settlements for decades and claim to possess documents showing tenancy or occupancy.
| Community Type | Percentage of Evictees | Employment Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim minorities | 47% | Agriculture, Livestock |
| Tribal communities | 25% | Forest produce, manual labor |
| Tea garden workers | 10% | Plantation jobs |
| Scheduled Castes | 8% | Fishing, small trade |
| Others (mixed groups) | 10% | Multiple |
Children have been forced out of schools, and many families are living in temporary shelters made of tarpaulin sheets. Local NGOs have started relief efforts, but they remain limited due to lack of government support.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Justification
The Assam government has cited the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886, along with court orders, to justify its actions. Officials claim that all evictions are conducted post verification and issuance of notices under Section 18 of the Act.
Sarma also pointed to the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directions to clear encroachments from forest and wetland areas. The government, he said, cannot flout environmental laws or delay action indefinitely.
Future Plans: Eviction to Continue, Says Government
Despite mounting criticism, the Sarma-led government is unlikely to slow down. In fact, new phases of eviction are being planned in Upper Assam and riverine islands in Brahmaputra. Officials have identified more than 1,000 hectares of encroached land that is likely to be targeted in the coming months.
The government has hinted that post-eviction, the land will be used for public infrastructure projects such as schools, healthcare centers, and housing schemes for genuine beneficiaries under PMAY.
Summary of Government’s Eviction Policy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Reclaim encroached land, restore environmental balance |
| Legal Basis | Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act, NGT orders |
| Targeted Land Types | Forest, Khas, Grazing, Riverine |
| Prior Notice Given | Yes, according to officials |
| Rehabilitation Plan | Limited, ongoing under scrutiny |
| Future Areas Identified | Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Morigaon, Hojai |
| Warning on Sheltering Evictees | Yes, CM warns of strict action |
Conclusion
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s clear warning to not shelter evicted encroachers marks a sharp escalation in Assam’s land politics. While the government insists it is simply enforcing the law, the social and political ramifications are unfolding rapidly. As eviction drives continue, the need for balancing legality with humanity remains a critical challenge for the administration.
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements from public officials, government data, and regional news developments as of August 2025. All interpretations and projections are for journalistic purposes and do not represent any political or legal opinion. Readers are advised to seek verified updates before drawing conclusions.
