The tribal communities in Assam are grappling with the loss of their ancestral lands, which they claim are being encroached upon, leading to a massive government eviction drive spearheaded by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The evictions, which have turned violent, reflect a deep-rooted conflict over land rights and identity in the region.
The eviction drive at Kachutali in Kamrup Metro district, aimed at clearing alleged illegal settlers from government and tribal lands, escalated into violence, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 35 others, including police and administrative personnel. The unrest highlights the ongoing struggle of Assam’s indigenous communities to protect their territories against what they see as unauthorized occupation.
The chief minister defended the eviction, stating that the settlers were living on tribal lands illegally and were allegedly incited by opposition parties, particularly the Congress. “In Sonapur, we have one tribal belt and block. During the time of Congress, a law was passed stating that only tribal people and some specific communities can buy land there. No other community is allowed to do so,” Sarma asserted. He blamed Congress for manipulating the settlers and fueling resistance against the government’s actions.
The tribals, feeling marginalised and pressured, have begun organizing local meetings to discuss strategies for safeguarding their lands. Many tribals allege that they were coerced into selling their lands under duress. Speaking to The Daily Guardian Gunaram Terong, an elderly resident of Gumoria village in Sonapur circle, expressed his support for the eviction, emphasizing the importance of protecting tribal belts from outsiders. “Outsiders have taken our lands, forcing us to leave our homes. They even steal our livestock at night. If this continues, Assam will lose its identity,” Terong stated.
Haripasad Deuri of the Deori People Justice Forum echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-standing demand for strict enforcement of laws that prohibit non-tribals from purchasing land in tribal belts. “We have raised our voices against illegal land grabbing by non-tribal communities for years. We have even submitted memorandums to the Prime Minister’s office in Delhi to take action,” Deuri added.
Meanwhile, the Miya Muslim community, many of whom have lived in Sonapur area for decades, argue that they have nowhere else to go. Mupadal Ali, a resident of Kachutali, where anti-encroachment drives have bulldozed existing houses has insisted that they are not Bangladeshi but Indian citizens who have lived in the area for over 30 years. “We have voter cards and documents to prove our citizenship. We were given only three days to vacate; where will we go now?” Ali questioned. Opposition leaders have criticized the eviction drives as being heavy-handed and politically motivated.
