Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that the state government is going to launch a drive to remove encroachments in Margherita. He said that people who have no roots or connection with this area will be removed from here. The Chief Minister says that the aim of this move is to ensure land rights to the indigenous communities settled here for a long time so that there is no unrest in the area and the identity and security of Upper Assam is maintained. Sarma said this while talking to the media after the check distribution program to women self-help groups (SHGs) under the Chief Minister Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan. He said that a meeting is going on with the District Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) regarding this campaign.
Indigenous communities will get land rights
Chief Minister Sarma said that Moran, Matak, Koch Rajbongshi, Ahom and Gorkha communities have been living in Margherita for generations. If they are not given land rights, a situation of discontent may arise here. He clarified that these communities are not enemies of the state and the problem that has arisen in Margherita was not caused by them. Therefore, the government will ensure that these traditionally settled communities get their rights and the outside elements are removed from here.
Security priority of Upper and North Assam
The Chief Minister said that the state government is now paying special attention to the security of Upper and North Assam. He admitted that Lower and Central Assam could not be saved from demographic change, but now it is a priority to save Upper and North Assam from such a situation. Sarma said, “The names of those who have settled by encroaching will not be found in the voter list. Their aim has always been to infiltrate Upper Assam, but we will not let this happen.”
Accused external elements of spreading unrest in Assam
CM Sarma also alleged that some external elements are trying to spread unrest in the state. He said that since last day some people are roaming in Assam and inciting discontent. Taking names, Sarma said Harsh Mander and Prashant Bhushan are visiting different districts while another group is trying to spread discontent by meeting minority leaders in lower Assam. The chief minister claimed that many of these social media accounts are being operated from Pakistan and Bangladesh with the aim of derailing the NRC process. He said the state government is alert and will take all necessary steps to maintain the security and peace of Assam.
