During an election campaign in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made it clear that the state government will not carry out eviction drives against any Indian or Assamese citizen. He said that people need not worry about the subject and the task will be decided by a separate department as to who to remove and who not.
Special relief given to locals
The Chief Minister said that no Indian citizen or local Assamese will be considered an illegal occupant if he is living on state land. He also said that understanding the concerns of non-tribal citizens, the government has taken this decision so that no one is evicted without reason.
Questions raised regarding tribal vs non-tribal disputes
There have been many controversies regarding eviction drives in recent years. Tensions have increased between tribal and non-tribal citizens over land. This statement of the Chief Minister is being considered a concrete step in this direction so that social balance is maintained and trust can be created among the people of all communities.
Government’s new thinking regarding illegal occupation
Chief Minister Sarma also clarified that if a native is living on public land, it will no longer be considered ‘illegal occupation’. This policy change is being seen as a big relief in land related matters. The government is now moving towards adopting a more humane approach.
Political strategy or sensitivity?
This statement of the Chief Minister is also being seen as an electoral strategy. The number of non-tribal voters is high in BTR and surrounding areas and this statement may be an attempt to send a strong message to them. However, it is also clear that the government is showing sensitivity in policy decisions to maintain social balance.
