Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday staunchly defended the state’s ongoing eviction drive, explicitly targeting what he termed “illegal Bangladeshis” across various districts. Speaking to the media in Kokrajhar, CM Sarma reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the land rights of the indigenous population, asserting that the campaign would proceed despite any political opposition.
“Some individuals from Karimganj, Dhubri, Chappar, and Silchar are encroaching upon and settling in Lakhimpur. They have been evicted to protect the freedom and land rights of the local people of Lakhimpur,” Sarma stated, elaborating on the rationale behind the drive. He firmly declared that the BJP government’s eviction campaign would not be swayed by political pressure. “If anyone has a problem with the removal of 350 illegal Bangladeshis, they will have to bear it. Many people have been martyred in the past in the fight to drive Bangladeshis out,” Sarma added, referencing historical struggles.
The Chief Minister also launched a sharp critique against opposition parties, accusing them of politicising the sensitive issue. “Now they are doing politics in the name of this girl to provide security to Bangladeshis. Their objective is to stop the BJP’s eviction campaign, but the BJP has gone ahead with it,” he remarked, underscoring his government’s resolve.
Sarma further announced that the eviction campaign is slated to expand to other areas, including Dhubri, in the near future. “It will happen tomorrow in Dhubri’s Chappar. No outsider should be allowed to enter Bodoland,” he declared, indicating a broader scope for the drive.
This strong statement comes just days after Sarma had revealed on July 5 that 18 Bangladeshi nationals, found living in Assam without valid documentation, had been repatriated to their country from Cachar and Sribhumi districts. Sharing his views on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the repatriation, Sarma had posted, “Oh look who’s going back to their home? In Assam, we welcome guests with open arms but those trying to illegally prolong their stay are treated with the special gesture of PUSHBACK.” He had concluded his post by stating, “18 illegal Bangladeshis pushed back today in nine hours from Cachar and Sribhumi.”
The ongoing campaign has elicited significant political and public discourse, particularly drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties and minority rights groups, who have called for increased transparency and humanitarian considerations throughout the eviction process.
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