Assam Govt's Unyielding Stance on Anti-encroachment Drives

In a firm declaration, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged citizens not to provide refuge to those evicted during the state's ongoing anti-encroachment operations. He emphasized that these measures have significantly improved the social standing of local communities and would deteriorate if evicted individuals are sheltered.

Sarma highlighted that approximately 29 lakh bighas of land remain under encroachment. He called for public cooperation in resolving this issue, aiming to protect the local community known as 'jati' while maintaining harmony with neighboring regions, as seen in recent operations along the inter-state border with Nagaland.

Addressing allegations of land misuse and addressing the encroachments, Sarma stressed that the government's policies do not target indigenous people. The efforts focus on reclaiming land from illegal occupants, including those labeled as 'illegal Bangladeshis and doubtful citizens', while refraining from displacing native Assamese or Indian residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)