Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 3 reiterated that eviction drives to clear encroachments will continue across the state, asserting that “illegal Miyas” would not have peace as long as he remains in power.
“Evictions will continue. Even today, notices were served in Behali area in Biswanath district. Illegal Miyas don’t have peace till I am the CM,” Sarma told reporters after attending an official function at Jamugurihat.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscored his government’s uncompromising stance on land encroachment, particularly in areas inhabited by Bengali-speaking Muslims—commonly referred to as ‘Miyas’. While the term has historically been used as a slur, sections of the community have sought to reclaim it in recent years as a mark of identity.
“There will be no peace even if you pray at a samadhi. Illegal Miyas have to be in tension till I am the CM. If I am not there, then it is a different thing,” Sarma said, reinforcing his position.
The Chief Minister also announced that his government will introduce a bill to ban polygamy in the upcoming winter session of the Assam Assembly, starting November 25. “If any person engages in polygamy, there will be seven years of rigorous imprisonment,” he declared.
Since 2021, the Assam government has conducted a series of eviction drives, claiming they target illegal encroachments on government and forest land. However, opposition parties and rights groups have accused the administration of disproportionately targeting the Bengali-origin Muslim community.
Despite the criticism, Sarma has consistently defended the operations as part of his government’s broader mission to reclaim public land and challenge what he calls “false narratives” around illegal occupation. Eviction drives have so far been carried out in districts including Darrang, Nagaon, Barpeta, Hojai, and Biswanath.
