Massive Eviction Drives and Anti-Illegal Migrants Rally Stir Assam Amidst Political Heat

Amid rising tensions over alleged illegal immigration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has intensified the state’s crackdown on encroachers and undocumented migrants. The aggressive measures include eviction operations, mass deportations, and public rallies demanding the removal of suspected infiltrators, triggering both political support and backlash across the region.

Torch Rally in Dhemaji: "Bangladeshi Go Back"

On July 25, thousands of residents in Dhemaji took to the streets with torchlights, raising slogans such as “Bangladeshi Go Back” and “Bangladeshi Hosiar.” The protestors issued a 15-day ultimatum, demanding that alleged illegal settlers vacate forest and community land. The rally was symbolic of growing frustration among indigenous communities over alleged demographic threats and resource pressure.

Evictions in Uriamghat & Beyond

Following government notices, large-scale eviction operations are now underway in Uriamghat (Golaghat district), where over 10,000 encroachers, mostly Bengali-origin Muslims, are alleged to have settled in the Rengma Reserve Forest. Officials confirmed that nearly 80–90% of those residents have already vacated voluntarily. The remaining are expected to be removed starting July 29, under heavy police presence.

CM Sarma emphasized that the drives are being carried out strictly under legal provisions, including the Assam Forest Regulation of 1891 and The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.

Land Reclamation: A Political & Cultural Crusade

Since 2021, the Sarma-led government claims to have reclaimed over 1.29 lakh bighas of land from alleged illegal settlers. The Chief Minister declared his mission to free up nearly 29 lakh bighas still under occupation. Projects like the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Sector—developed on reclaimed land—are being showcased as economic models built on restored indigenous territory.

Sarma warned that Assam’s demographic balance is at risk, stating:

“If we don’t act now, Assamese Hindus and tribals will become minorities in their own land.”

Over 330 Alleged Infiltrators Pushed Back

In a rare move, Assam authorities have used the 1950 Act to deport over 330 individuals since June without routing through foreigners’ tribunals. Officials say another batch awaits deportation pending flood recedence. Human rights groups, however, have criticized the move as arbitrary and unconstitutional, accusing the state of bypassing legal due process.

Political Fallout Across Borders

In a retaliatory move, TMC activists in West Bengal's Boxirhat burned an effigy of CM Sarma. The protest followed tribunal notices served to Bengali residents of Cooch Behar, alleging foreign origins. TMC leaders accused the Assam government of targeting Bengali-speaking citizens and creating fear among legitimate residents.

By Choba Tripura