Guwahati, July 21, 2025 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reiterated his government’s commitment to reclaiming approximately 10 lakh acres of state land, which he claims is under illegal encroachment by “illegal Bangladeshis and doubtful citizens.” Speaking at an event marking the fourth anniversary of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project in Darrang district, Sarma highlighted the success of ongoing eviction drives and their role in safeguarding Assam’s land and demographic balance.The Gorukhuti project, initiated after a controversial 2021 eviction drive, cleared over 25,500 acres (77,420 bighas) of land, primarily occupied by Bengali-speaking Muslims. The operation, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, during police action, faced significant national and international criticism. Despite this, Sarma stated, “The success of the Gorukhuti eviction emboldened us to conduct similar drives across Assam, reclaiming 1.29 lakh bighas (around 43,000 acres) in the last four years for afforestation and public use.”Sarma acknowledged facing “international pressure” following the Gorukhuti operation but emphasized that his government remains undeterred. “We have pledged to clear every inch of encroached land. Currently, 29 lakh bighas, or nearly 10 lakh acres, remain under illegal occupation,” he said, underscoring the scale of the challenge.The chief minister framed the eviction drives as essential for securing land rights, promoting sustainable development, and protecting Assam’s demographic identity. He highlighted that the reclaimed Gorukhuti land has been transformed into productive agricultural fields, serving as a model for future initiatives.However, the eviction drives have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, opposition parties, and activists, who argue that they disproportionately target minorities and create humanitarian crises for displaced families. Despite the backlash, Sarma remains steadfast, asserting that the government will continue identifying and removing encroachments, particularly those involving “suspected Bangladeshis.”The Assam government’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to address illegal land occupation, with plans to replicate the Gorukhuti model across other encroached areas. As the state continues its eviction campaigns, the issue remains a contentious topic, balancing development goals with humanitarian concerns.
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