Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the Mishing people living along the riverbanks will stop the encroachment by ‘Miya Bangladeshi’ immigrants.
Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked a fresh political controversy on January 30 by making a provocative remark about land encroachment while addressing the Mishing Youth Festival. He linked the security of riverine areas to the presence of local communities.
Speaking at the event, Sarma stated that if people from the Mishing community settled along the riverine belt stretching from Golaghat to Dhubri, “no Bangladeshi Muslim will be able to encroach upon our land.”
The Chief Minister framed his comments in the context of protecting the land and identity of local communities, a recurring theme in his political messaging.
He suggested that a strong presence of local groups in the vulnerable riverine areas would act as a natural deterrent against encroachment, which the BJP government frequently attributes to illegal migration.
Sarma’s statement comes amidst ongoing eviction drives in several districts of Assam and a heated debate on land rights, citizenship, and demographic changes. The riverine char areas, particularly in lower Assam, have long been a focal point of political discourse, with successive governments blaming encroachment and erosion for land disputes.
Opposition parties have repeatedly accused the Chief Minister of using inflammatory language to polarize voters ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, while minority groups have expressed concern over being repeatedly targeted in official rhetoric.
However, the BJP has previously defended Sarma’s stance, arguing that strong language is necessary to protect local land and resources.
