Kokrajhar: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday strongly defended the ongoing eviction operations across several parts of the state, saying the campaign targets “illegal Bangladeshis” settling in sensitive regions, including Lakhimpur and Dhubri.
Speaking to media in Kokrajhar, Sarma said the evictions were essential to protect the “freedom and land rights of indigenous people.”
“Some people from Karimganj, Dhubri, Chappar, and Silchar are going and settling in Lakhimpur. They have been evicted to protect the locals’ rights,” the CM stated.
Eviction Drive to Continue Despite Opposition Criticism
CM Sarma made it clear that the eviction campaign would not be halted, even amid rising political backlash.
“If anyone has a problem with the removal of 350 illegal Bangladeshis, they will have to bear it. People have been martyred in the past to drive Bangladeshis out,” Sarma said, emphasizing the BJP government’s firm stance.
He also accused opposition leaders of politicizing the issue, alleging they are trying to stop the drive by using isolated incidents—particularly the case of a girl being discussed publicly—as tools to offer “security to Bangladeshis.”
Eviction in Dhubri Next; CM Warns Against Outsider Entry in Bodoland
“The campaign will continue in Chappar (Dhubri) tomorrow. No outsider should be allowed to enter Bodoland,” Sarma said, underscoring his government’s commitment to regional identity and land preservation.
18 Bangladeshi Nationals Pushed Back
Sarma also shared that 18 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals were pushed back over the weekend from Cachar and Sribhumi districts.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“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.”
Background & Political Context
The eviction drive aligns with the BJP’s broader campaign in Assam to remove illegal migrants and protect the rights of “sons of the soil.” The move has received mixed reactions, with strong backing in many tribal and border districts, but sharp criticism from human rights groups and opposition parties, who argue that it risks targeting genuine Indian citizens.
CM Sarma has routinely linked illegal immigration with demographic imbalance, land encroachment, and rising tensions in sensitive regions like Bodoland and Barak Valley.