Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reiterated his government’s commitment to continuing the eviction drive against individuals identified as alleged illegal Bangladeshi settlers.

Speaking to the media in Kokrajhar, Sarma said the evictions in Lakhimpur district were conducted to protect the land rights of indigenous communities. “Some people from Karimganj, Dhubri, Chappar, and Silchar are going and settling in Lakhimpur. They have been evicted to protect the freedom and land rights of the local people,” he stated.

“If anyone has a problem with the removal of 350 illegal Bangladeshis, they will have to bear it,” the Chief Minister added. He also announced that the eviction campaign would be extended to other areas, including Chappar in Dhubri district.

Sarma further informed that 18 individuals without valid documents were deported on July 5 from Cachar and Sribhumi districts as part of the ongoing operation.