Guwahati: In a significant and hard-hitting declaration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced stringent action against individuals accused of facilitating illegal settlements in the state’s protected tribal belts and government land. Speaking from the evicted site in Koautoli near Guwahati, the Chief Minister revealed that an Assam Police battalion camp would be established on the reclaimed land, marking a strong statement of state control.
The Koautoli area, which recently witnessed a massive eviction drive, saw over 1,000 bighas of encroached land cleared by the authorities. The land, part of the Scheduled Tribal Belt and Block, had been under illegal occupation for several years by individuals of Bangladeshi origin, according to state officials.
Targeting what he described as a network of “land dalals”—brokers who illegally settle people in restricted areas—CM Sarma warned of invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against such individuals. “These land brokers, particularly those misleading people into settling illegally in tribal belts, will now face indefinite detention under the NSA. Only then will they learn that this state won’t tolerate such activities,” he said.
The Chief Minister further confirmed that arrests had already begun and more would follow. “We’ve arrested some today—many more are next. Their game is over,” he declared during his visit.
The statement follows a violent incident from August 12, 2024, in the Sonapur area, around 30 km from Guwahati. Thousands of individuals, allegedly of Bangladeshi origin, reportedly attacked police and district officials during an eviction drive. The administration was attempting to clear encroachments from tribal land when the mob turned violent, injuring at least 22 personnel, including women officers and senior administrative officials.
In response, police were forced to open fire, leading to the death of two individuals. The administration claimed the use of force was necessary to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of officials on duty.
Authorities say large portions of tribal-designated land in Sonapur and nearby areas have been illegally occupied over the years by settlers lacking legal land rights. These areas are reserved under special protections meant exclusively for the indigenous tribal population of Assam.
CM Sarma’s recent comments are the latest in a series of strong policy decisions aimed at reclaiming tribal lands and cracking down on unauthorised encroachments. The announcement to build a permanent police presence in the area is being seen as both a strategic move and a deterrent to future encroachments.
The Chief Minister also called upon the tribal communities and local administrations to remain vigilant and assist in identifying illegal settlements. “Our commitment is to protect the rights of the tribal people. No one has the right to dilute the spirit of our protected land laws,” he said.
As eviction drives continue across Assam, the government’s latest move signals a more aggressive stance on land encroachment—particularly in sensitive zones like the tribal belts—amid heightened socio-political tensions.
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