Himanta targets unauthorised settlements in Guwahati, assures indigenous have nothing to fear

The Assam government has initiated a comprehensive survey in the forested hills of Guwahati to identify and remove unauthorised settlers, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasising that the exercise exclusively targets non-indigenous populations.

 

Speaking to reporters today, Sarma clarified that the survey focuses solely on individuals whose families have not resided in Assam for three generations. "This survey is strictly for non-indigenous people. Indigenous people have nothing to worry about," the Chief Minister stated, addressing concerns about the initiative's scope and intent.

 

The survey covers forest land areas around Guwahati where unauthorised settlements have emerged, potentially disrupting the region's demographic composition. Sarma explained that the government aims to identify "those trying to disturb the demographic balance by settling randomly" while ensuring established communities remain unaffected.

 

The Chief Minister drew a clear distinction between the survey's targets and Assam's indigenous populations, stating: "If someone's three generations have lived here, no survey for them. But if not, the survey will cover them." He emphasised that the exercise "has nothing to do with religion" and applies purely based on generational residence criteria.

 

Sarma also highlighted that the survey is limited to forest land and does not extend to revenue land. Meanwhile, under the government's Mission Basundhara 3 program, land patents are being distributed to indigenous communities, reinforcing the administration's commitment to protecting established residents' rights.

 

Addressing media coverage of the initiative, the Chief Minister accused some publications of misrepresenting the survey's purpose. "Some newspapers are twisting this in their headlines. They're trying to create panic and protect others. But I know that people will trust us and not fall for the panic," Sarma said.