10 lakh acres in Assam encroached by 'illegal Bangladeshis': CM Himanta Biswa Sarma; says government pledged to clear every inch

NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that nearly 10 lakh acres of land in the state remain under the encroachment of what he called "illegal Bangladeshis and doubtful citizens."

Speaking at an event marking four years of the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, Sarma said his government had faced "international pressure" to halt eviction operations, especially after the controversial drive in Darrang district in 2021, but remained undeterred.

"The successful eviction drive here emboldened us," he said, referring to the Gorukhuti operation where over 25,000 acres were cleared of alleged encroachers. "We conducted such anti-encroachments drives in different parts of the state, clearing 1.29 lakh bighas (nearly 43,000 acres) in four years."

The Gorukhuti drive, carried out shortly after Sarma took office, led to the deaths of two people, including a 12-year-old boy, in police firing.

Sarma defended the action, saying the land has since been used for reforestation and agriculture. "We have taken the pledge to clear every inch of land from encroachers, suspected Bangladeshis," he said. "29 lakh bighas (10 lakh acres) are still encroached by illegal Bangladeshis and doubtful citizens," Sarma added.