Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the state government has cleared a total of 1.39 lakh bighas of land from encroachers, including 10,000 bighas in a recent eviction drive in Uriamghat. The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to reclaiming land and safeguarding indigenous rights while strongly rejecting the idea of a so-called ‘Miyanland’ in Assam.
Speaking to the media, Sarma said, “Earlier we freed 1.29 lakh bighas of land. We freed 10,000 more bighas in Uriamghat recently. I thank Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his cooperation. The Nagaland Police and CRPF supported the eviction drive.”
असम सरकार ने अतिक्रमणकारियों से 182 वर्ग किलोमीटर भूमि वापस ली है। अब यही घुसपैठिए एक अलग ‘Miya Land’ राज्य की मांग कर रहे हैं।
उनका यह सपना जरूर पूरा होगा – लेकिन भारत में नहीं,
बल्कि बांग्लादेश या अफ़ग़ानिस्तान में। और वहाँ तक पहुँचने में मैं उनकी सहायता ज़रूर करूँगा। pic.twitter.com/HAbiJvIIdB— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 31, 2025
Addressing speculation over the creation of a ‘Miyanland’ by evicted communities, Sarma stated unequivocally, “There can be a Miyanland, but not in Assam. It can be in Bangladesh, and if needed, we may even help them set one up in Afghanistan. But Assam will not host it.”
The term “Miyanland” has been invoked by some evicted families, many of whom belong to Bengali-origin Muslim communities. However, the Chief Minister dismissed the suggestion, framing it as an unacceptable political narrative.
On the subject of encroachment in Guwahati, Sarma revealed that a demographic survey is underway to identify non-indigenous residents occupying forest lands. “This survey is only for those altering the demographic balance. Indigenous Assamese and tribal people will not be affected,” he said. “Through Mission Basundhara 3.0, indigenous families will receive land pattas. They need not worry.”
Sarma also pointed to the city’s growing population pressure, noting that Guwahati’s infrastructure was designed for 10 lakh residents but is now supporting approximately 20 lakh. “We may have to clear encroachments in Guwahati in the future as well,” he added.
The state government has undertaken a series of eviction drives over the past two years, citing illegal occupation of government, forest, and tribal lands. These moves have drawn both praise for enforcing land laws and criticism over displacement and alleged communal undertones.
