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Time of India
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MLA: Forest land along Nagaland freed post-eviction to be fenced
1 2 Guwahati: Forest areas freed from encroachments of migrant Muslims of Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin in Golaghat are set to be fenced along the Assam-Nagaland border following phase-wise plantation drives, said Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan. He was overseeing the large-scale eviction drive, which resulted in the reclamation of about 10,000 bighas of forest land. While there have been fresh concerns among a section of families regarding the movement of Nagas in the border zone of Rengma and Nambor South Reserve Forests, Phukan said the question of Naga encroachment does not arise. Sources said although there are Naga settlements within Rengma and Nambor South, they have more presence at Nambor South, with shops and houses constructed there. In some locations in Rengma and Nambor South, Bodo and Nepali families coexist with Nagas. In light of this, a comprehensive drone survey is underway at Rengma and Nambor South to survey reclaimed forest area following eviction drives. "There are no encroachment attempts by Nagas in and around Rengma or Nambor South. This is a border area. Naga villages may exist on Assam land. They are not our enemies. But the boundary with Nagaland and Naga settlements inside Assam are different," Phukan told TOI, on Monday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He added that plantations to be undertaken in the reclaimed forest areas will be safeguarded through fencing, which will also protect Assam's forest land from further there was no eviction drive on Monday, sources said that plans are underway to conduct eviction drives in four more villages in Rengma RF—No. 1 Madhupur, Haldibari, Rananagar, and Hatidubi soon. Since Sunday, notices have been served and a drone survey is in progress to identify encroached forest areas in these four villages, where migrant Muslims of Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin have predominantly settled on encroached forest land over the years. From August 8, another eviction is set to begin at Negheribil under Doyang RF in Golaghat. Officials mentioned that 205 encroacher families have been identified in the Negheribil area.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
4,000 structures razed, 10k bighas freed at Rengma Reserve Forest
1 2 Guwahati: After five days of the first phase of eviction on Saturday, over 10,000 bighas (approx. 1,300 hectares or 13 sq km) of forest land have been reclaimed and around 4,000 concrete houses demolished at Uriamghat in Golaghat's Rengma Reserve Forest. Sarupathar BJP MLA Biswajit Phukan, who is overseeing the eviction operation, told TOI, "The first phase of the eviction drive at Rengma is over. Initially, we estimated the encroached land to be about 11,000 bigha (approx. 14.3 sq km), but it turned out to be much more. In these five days, we have reclaimed about 70% of the total encroached area." He added that the notice period for second phase of eviction in Rengma reserve forest is not over yet. The forest area in Sarupathar comprises Rengma and South Nambor Reserve Forests. Phukan said eviction will begin in two villages in South Nambor on Sunday. Phukan added that once the eviction is complete, the govt plans to develop the area, including transforming it into a tourist destination. Eviction at Rengma was kicked off at Bidyapur market early morning of July 29, where the authorities demolished around 120 commercial structures. Large number of bulldozers were pressed into service in presence of police, forest personnel, and CRPF. About 80% of the over 2500 families had already vacated voluntarily by July 28. The evicted families primarily belong to the Muslim community. Ahead of the eviction, Nagaland govt had issued an advisory to bordering districts to prevent displaced people from crossing into the state. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
News18
31-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Dangerous, Divisive Proposition: Assam Govt Vows To Deal Sternly With 'Miya Land' Demand
This demand, reportedly raised by individuals evicted from government and forest lands in Assam's Golaghat district, has triggered a wave of outrage across the state and beyond The fragile socio-political fabric of Assam is once again under strain with a fresh and alarming development—the demand for a so-called 'Miya Land." This provocative call, reportedly raised by individuals evicted from government and forest lands in Assam's Golaghat district, has triggered a wave of outrage across the state and beyond. The demand not only challenges the legal and constitutional framework of the country but also raises serious questions about identity politics, illegal immigration, and the rights of indigenous communities. The Provocation: Comparing Bodoland with 'Miya Land' The immediate controversy erupted following an eviction drive in Uriamghat, a sensitive area along the Assam-Nagaland border. One of the protestors, alleged to be among the illegal encroachers, brazenly declared: 'If big people can demand Bodoland, then we Miya people can also demand Miya Land. If 35 lakh Bodos can have Bodoland, then we 1.4 crore Miya Muslims can demand our own land too." This remark has drawn widespread condemnation, not only for its audacity but for falsely equating a legitimate movement like Bodoland—rooted in indigenous ethnic claims and decades-long peaceful protests—with an illegal occupation of forest land by individuals with dubious citizenship credentials. Assam government and several senior ministers have responded with clarity and firmness. Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika termed the speech 'blasphemous," reiterating that 'no power on earth can create Miya Land in Assam." Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan went further: 'This is not the voice of a few individuals. It's a larger design. Miya settlers—originally from Bangladesh—have illegally encroached upon over 11,000 bighas of land here, some of which has become a breeding ground for unlawful activities. We will finish the eviction, and legal action will follow." Understanding the Historical Context: Migration, Identity, and Conflict The term 'Miya" refers to Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam, many of whom are descendants of migrants from what is now Bangladesh. There is no denying the state's historical struggle with unchecked illegal immigration, especially post-1971. This migration has significantly altered the demographic balance in several districts, triggering fears of cultural erosion among Assam's indigenous communities. The Assam Movement (1979–1985), driven by concerns over identity and illegal immigration, eventually led to the Assam Accord, which promised to identify and deport foreigners and protect Assamese identity. But decades later, many feel those promises remain unfulfilled. Uriamghat and the Rengma Reserve Forest: The Flashpoint The Uriamghat eviction is part of a larger state-wide campaign to reclaim encroached government and forest lands. In Golaghat district's Rengma Reserve Forest, an estimated 11,000 bighas of land had been illegally occupied, often for illegal farming of betel nuts, and even allegedly turned into hubs for smuggling and other illicit activities. The government has already cleared 4.2 hectares in a peaceful first phase, demolishing over 120 illegal shops and structures with zero resistance—a stark contrast to the violence seen in Goalpara earlier this month. In the July 12 eviction at Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara, a protest turned violent, leading to one fatality and injuries to both civilians and police. This volatility underscores the fragility of law and order when such illegal settlements are allowed to fester. The Dangerous Precedent: From Miya Museum to Miya Land This is not the first time the Miya identity has been pushed in a confrontational manner. In 2020, former Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed proposed a 'Miya Museum" to be set up inside Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Assam's cultural epicentre. The demand drew severe backlash, with CM Sarma making it clear that 'there is no separate culture of char-chaporis that justifies a new museum." Despite state opposition, a mini Miya museum was later set up in Goalpara, signalling that such demands aren't isolated—they are part of a coordinated ideological movement. Legal and Constitutional Position: Unambiguously Illegal From a constitutional perspective, any demand for a separate homeland based on religious, linguistic, or ethnic grounds—particularly when propagated by illegal settlers—is unlawful. The creation of Bodoland was achieved through decades of political struggle by an indigenous people with a legitimate identity and grievances. In contrast, the demand for Miya Land lacks historical legitimacy, constitutional backing, popular or regional support. Any such attempt to divide Assam along communal lines poses a direct threat to national security and must be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, including charges of sedition, conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. Public Reaction: Assam Rises in Protest People from all communities—Assamese, tribal, and indigenous Muslims—have come out against this demand. Student unions, civil society organizations, and cultural forums have raised slogans such as 'No Miya Land on Assamese Soil" and 'Assam for Assamese." Interestingly, the silence of certain political leaders—notably Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi—has triggered a storm of criticism. Many accuse Gogoi of appeasement politics, with one protestor stating: 'Gaurav Gogoi prefers to echo Pakistan, not Assam." Assam's Identity and Integrity Cannot Be Bargained Assam's history is one of resistance and pride—from the Ahom resistance to the Mughals to the Assam Movement and the struggle to protect its language and land. Today, the state faces a new threat—not just from cross-border infiltration, but from internal political assertions that seek to alter its demographic, cultural, and territorial reality. Chief Minister Sarma's recent post on X (formerly Twitter) resonated with many: 'People of Assam are victims of mass-scale encroachment, demographic alteration, and violence caused by illegal settlers. They stand firmly with the government in this crackdown." The demand for Miya Land is not just an absurd proposition—it is a dangerous political weapon aimed at testing the limits of Indian democracy, Assam's patience, and the state's resolve to defend its identity. The government must continue its firm stand—evict illegal encroachments, enforce the law, and prevent communal polarization. For Assam, the message is loud and clear—there is no place for separatism, no compromise on territorial integrity, and no room for political appeasement at the cost of its people. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. tags : Assam himanta biswa sarma view comments Location : Assam, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 12:10 IST News opinion Opinion | Dangerous, Divisive Proposition: Assam Govt Vows To Deal Sternly With 'Miya Land' Demand Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
3k bighas freed in Uriamghat, 278 houses razed, betel nut unit demolished
Guwahati: Massive farmlands occupied by encroachers in Rengma Reserve Forest, including a betel nut factory, were demolished on the second day of the eviction drive in Uriamghat of Golaghat district, recovering about 3,000 bighas of land from encroachment on a single day on Wednesday. The total encroached land in Uriamghat is about 11,000 bighas. The ongoing eviction in Uriamghat is one of the biggest eviction drives undertaken by the state govt under its mission to free govt and forest lands from encroachments. The coordinated operation, led by the Assam forest dept, Golaghat district administration, and Golaghat police, targeted illegal settlements in the Pithaghat and Sonaribeel areas. A total of 278 unauthorised households — 180 in Pithaghat and 98 in Sonaribeel — were evicted after prior notices were served. Officials confirmed that the structures were vacant during the demolition, which followed prescribed safety and humanitarian protocols. "We are on a mission to RECLAIM what rightfully belongs to us. Our forests, our lands, our Satras, our agriculture fields; we are going ALL OUT to ensure that only legitimate Indian citizens enjoy the joy of being in Assam. Rengma Reserve Forest ~ now ENCROACHMENT FREE," CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Easy Trick to Protect Your Kids From Mosquitoes (They Can't Stand This) Squito Stickers Undo According to a govt release, the entire process was undertaken with due sensitivity and in accordance with prescribed safety protocols to ensure a humane and peaceful operation. Speaking to TOI, Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan said one family had occupied 200-400 bighas in the forest area close to the Assam-Nagaland border. "The encroachers built a farmhouse, they had a massive betel nut plantation, and a supari industry, centred around the processing and trade of betel nuts, was also operating from there," Phukan said. He added that further eviction efforts will soon extend to villages like Dayalpur, Madhupur, Kherbari, Rojapukhuri, and Gelajan. Sources said most of the evicted families — who are as 'Miyas' or migrant Muslims of East Pakistan/Bangladesh origin — have reportedly moved toward central Assam. Concerns were raised about the presence of illegal migrants among the encroachers. Special chief secretary MK Yadava, speaking to the media, said the eviction drive has been conducted smoothly and peacefully. He said the reclaimed forest land will be restored to its natural green cover as part of a broader ecological regeneration initiative. Inspector general of police Akhilesh Kumar Singh said the operation is witnessing effective cooperation between the govts and police forces of Assam and Nagaland. District commissioner of Golaghat, Pulak Mahanta, said no illegal activity by encroachers within reserve forest areas will be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action will be taken in accordance with the law. Comprehensive security arrangements were in place, with personnel from the Golaghat police and CRPF ensuring the smooth and peaceful execution of the drive.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
120 structures across 4.2ha forest land razed on Day 1 of Uriamghat eviction
1 2 Guwahati: On the first day of a massive eviction drive to clear encroachments on forest lands in Rengma Reserve Forest at Uriamghat in Golaghat district on Tuesday morning, bulldozers razed over 100 commercial structures close to the inter-state border with Nagaland. A govt release on Tuesday said this eviction drive marks a significant step in Assam govt's ongoing efforts to prevent illegal encroachment in protected forest areas and to promote ecological conservation in the region. The target is to clear the entire 11,000 bighas of encroached land in Uriamghat, where, according to officials, about 2,500 families with a population of not less than 12,000 are encroaching forest areas. A large number of these families are from the central Assam districts of Nagaon and Morigaon, while there are families from north and south Assam districts who claimed to have started settling down in the forest areas of Uriamghat in the 1970s under govt patronage and started cultivation with the Nagas. Eviction was carried out on Tuesday at Bidyapur Market in Uriamghat, located within the Rengma Reserve Forest. The operation was led by state forest department, with active support from Golaghat district administration and Golaghat police, in close coordination with the govt of Nagaland and Nagaland Police. "During the drive, about 120 illegal commercial structures spread over approximately 4.2 hectares of forest land were demolished. This action was part of a concerted effort to reclaim encroached reserve forest land and reinforce the govt's commitment to environmental conservation," the release read. Over 90% of the families deserted the settlements by Monday night. One after another, houses were bulldozed since morning to restore forest area. Forest department officials also destroyed betel nut plantations cultivated by the encroachers. There were no reports of any conflict between police and encroachers. According to local MLA Biswajit Phukan, the encroachment was mostly by 'Miyas', a term used in Assam to refer to migrant Muslims of Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin. The operation involved large-scale deployment of machinery, forest personnel, and administrative officials. It was conducted under the supervision of special chief secretary MK Yadava, principal chief conservator of forests, Assam, Golaghat DC, Golaghat senior superintendent of police and other senior officials, including additional district commissioners and executive magistrates. "To ensure smooth and peaceful execution of the operation, an extensive security arrangement was put in place with the involvement of police and CRPF," the release added. Evicted families alleged that the govt provided electricity connections to them and built houses for the poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). Tap water connection was provided to families in encroached lands under a govt scheme. "There are some govt schools as well on the encroached land, and houses of govt employees have also been razed," a resident said. While Muslim families alleged that the govt targeted them but spared Nepali, Bodo, and Manipuri families, govt officials said many of those who have not received eviction notices are forest dwellers.
