HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 4: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday accused certain minority groups of oppressing the state’s indigenous communities through what he described as “Love Jihad” and “Land Jihad.”
Talking to reporters, Sarma responded to a recent memorandum submitted by leaders of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) to the Assam Police headquarters in Ulubari.
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The AIUDF delegation had alleged ongoing discrimination and persecution of minority communities in the state.
Countering the allegations, Sarma said, “The so-called minorities are, in fact, the ones oppressing our indigenous people. They are involved in Love Jihad, Land Jihad, and are illegally occupying large swathes of land. Despite this, they are the ones raising complaints, while the real victims—our native communities—remain unheard.”
The Chief Minister cited specific cases to back his claims, stating that in forested areas, minority groups have been planting betel nut trees and establishing fisheries.
“I have personally visited Uriamghat, where 300 to 400 bighas of land have been encroached upon. In contrast, in Baksa district, our indigenous people are still waiting for land allotments,” he added.
Sarma further asserted that the narrative of victimhood was being misrepresented. “If anyone should be submitting memorandums and expressing grievances, it should be us. Justice demands that the plight of our indigenous communities be acknowledged,” he said.
Meanwhile, the CM also announced that the first phase of eviction in the Rengma Reserve forest at Uriamghat in the Golaghat district is completed and at least 1200 hectare of land was made free from encroachment.
Taking to X, Sarma wrote, “Phase I of the eviction drive in Uriamghat is over where we recovered over 1200Ha of land in Rengma Reserve Forest.”
The chief minister also warned that the eviction exercise will continue in the state to clear illegal encroachment.
“The drive will continue, here as well as across the State to take back every inch of land, which rightfully belongs to the people of Assam,” Sarma added.
