Borderline Controversy: Assam's Battle Against Land Encroachment

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has identified individuals claiming to be from Bihar and other states as part of the encroachment on government and forest lands in Assam. The chief minister made the remarks during a site inspection for eviction drives in Uriamghat, Golaghat district on Friday.

Sarma revealed that details of these individuals would be shared with local authorities in their claimed states of origin to verify their identities. He emphasized that if they are genuine residents, they would face no opposition, but warned against those falsely claiming origins from "across the border."

The Chief Minister also noted illegal activities, including drug use and theft, in these encroached areas. He stressed the need for cooperation with locals to transform these areas positively and shared plans for a phased eviction, with encroachers already beginning to vacate.

(With inputs from agencies.)