Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday alleged that many of those occupying government, forest and other lands in the state claim to be from districts such as Cachar, Sribhumi, Dhubri, Hojai, Nagaon and Morigaon—but some even assert origins in Bihar. He announced that the state government will collect names, addresses and identity details from encroachers and forward them to the authorities in the districts they claim to hail from, so officials there can verify whether they are genuine residents or “from across the border.”

Inspecting potential eviction sites in Uriamghat, Golaghat district, Sarma said hundreds of bighas of forest land have already been reclaimed, with most encroachers vacating voluntarily. Notices have been served in the Negribil area and the remaining occupants are expected to leave before formal anti-encroachment operations begin. The chief minister urged local cooperation, noting residents had reported drug use, thefts and other illicit activity in the occupied tracts.

Sarma emphasised that genuine migrants will face no hardship should their home-district credentials check out, but any claims found false would prompt decisive action by the relevant authorities. He said the state’s phased eviction campaign covers all Satra and grazing lands and is designed to withstand legal scrutiny, pointing out that 1.29 lakh bighas have already been cleared over the past four years while approximately 29 lakh bighas remain under illegal occupation.

Asked about collaboration with neighbouring Nagaland, Sarma replied that its authorities have pledged to prevent evicted individuals from crossing into their territory. He concluded by calling on Assam’s citizens to remain vigilant against fresh encroachments, stressing that regular monitoring and community engagement are essential to safeguard both livelihoods and the state’s rich natural heritage.