Assam: Hundreds gather at Chachal demanding an end to land evictions

Hundreds of people from across Assam gathered at Chachal on Sunday, October 12 for a massive protest rally titled “Adhikar Samabesh”, organized by the Bhumi Adhikar Joutho Sangram Samiti, demanding justice against land evictions and alleged illegal land transfers to corporate entities.

The protest turned into a powerful blend of cultural and political expression as demonstrators paid emotional tribute to late singer Zubeen Garg, playing his iconic songs throughout the event as a symbol of unity and resistance.

Speaking at the gathering, Subrata Talukdar of the organizing committee accused the state government of neglecting indigenous rights.

“Those who have suffered the most are the indigenous people. The government has handed over bighas of tribal land to corporate giants. We demand an immediate halt to these illegal evictions and the issuance of land pattas to rightful residents,” he said.

“Our women have been pushed into debt traps through microfinance schemes, and now our lands are being taken. We must unite — Himanta Biswa Sarma, beware,” another protester warned.

Prominent intellectual Dr. Hiren Gohain, Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Bhuyan, Congress MLA Nandita Das, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, and former MP Abdul Khaleque also joined the protest, extending their support to the land rights movement.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the government, reiterating demands for an immediate stop to all evictions, recognition of traditional land ownership, and protection of indigenous rights.

The gathering reflected growing public anger over the state’s handling of land distribution and corporate expansion, with activists warning of intensified agitation if their voices continue to be ignored.