Guwahati, Nov 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reclaim encroached lands from illegal settlers and restore them to indigenous communities. He noted that widespread encroachment in Goalpara and Kamrup districts has affected the political and economic rights of ethnic and tribal groups.

At a function in Chaygaon, Kamrup district, Sarma handed over land title certificates under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, to 4,673 tribal families. He emphasized that indigenous people are the true custodians of Assam’s land, identity, and cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister highlighted efforts in constituencies such as Boko, Dudhnoi, and West Goalpara, where the government has enabled tribal communities to reclaim their lands. He expressed concern over demographic changes caused by illegal settlers occupying forest lands, sometimes posing as flood-affected individuals, and called on the public to remain vigilant.

Since 2021, Sarma’s administration has freed 193 square kilometers of forest land from encroachment and plans to continue evictions to protect forest areas in Goalpara and Kamrup.

In connection with Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Pakhwada, marking the 150th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagawan Birsa Munda, the Chief Minister distributed land rights certificates to tribal families from Garo, Rabha, Bodo, and Karbi communities in reserved forest regions across multiple constituencies. He also paid tribute to tribal icons including Birsa Munda, Jaya Thaosen, and Rashimoni Hajong.

Sarma described the initiative as a step toward ensuring justice, dignity, and empowerment for all indigenous peoples of Assam.