Guwahati, July 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday alleged that land encroachment by people belonging to “one religion” is leading to demographic changes in the state and posing a threat to indigenous communities.

Sarma stated that the state government has been carrying out eviction drives since 2021 to reclaim illegally occupied land, with more than 1.19 lakh bighas cleared so far. He described the situation as an “invasion” aimed at reshaping the population pattern to gain political advantage in areas dominated by Assamese communities.

Although the chief minister did not name any particular group, it is observed that a significant number of those evicted are Bengali-speaking Muslims.