“Assam must draw inspiration from Israel on how to endure & prosper despite enemies,” says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has underlined that the state needs to learn from Israel how to endure and prosper in the face of being surrounded by enemies. CM Sarma emphasised the historical vulnerability of Assam’s borders when speaking at the “Swahid Divas” celebration in Jamugurihat, Sonitpur district. He also emphasised the value of bravery, technology, and resilience in securing the state’s future.

CM Sarma noted that Assamese people are a minority in 12 districts and that Assam shares borders with West Bengal (which also shares boundaries with Bangladesh), Bangladesh, and Myanmar. He encouraged the Assamese people to follow Israel’s tactics, which have allowed it to overcome many obstacles and threats to its survival.

The Chief Minister addressed the state’s ongoing political and demographic issues and admitted that, despite the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, infiltrators continue to pose a threat. He urged for a renewed emphasis on self-reliance and economic development and denounced the Congress party for its participation in undermining indigenous people’s rights, especially with relation to land ownership.

With more than 10,000 hectares reclaimed in the last three years from illegal encroachers, the Chief Minister further underlined the significance of reclaiming land from encroachers. He declared that the creation of medical colleges and universities in each district is one of the measures the government is taking to protect Assam’s cultural character.

CM Sarma emphasised that with perseverance and hard effort, Assam can preserve its legacy and ensure its future, and he urged the youth to assume responsibility for the state’s economic development and destiny.

“The supreme sacrifice of Khargeswar Talukdar created a pall of gloom across the state and the country,” CM Sarma said in remembrance of the first martyr of the Assam Agitation. He served as an inspiration to over 855 others who sacrificed their life for the state. The Assam Agitation, he continued, was a determined effort to defend the state and its citizens against unauthorised migration. The ambiguity surrounding Assam has persisted for decades. Demographic shifts continue to pose a challenge to the state. Every day, indigenous Assamese people lose their land rights. Because of this, the state government is trying to protect the state’s citizens’ land rights. The administration was successful in driving out illegal encroachers from Gorukhuti in spite of criticism. The Chief Minister stated, “the government has been working tirelessly for the past three years to protect indigenous people’s land rights, including removing encroachments in Kaziranga.”