Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma: A Leader Who Reclaimed Assam’s Future
Heramba Nath
In a state long burdened by illegal encroachments and unchecked migration, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has emerged as a far-sighted leader who combines courage with action. His historic eviction drives and firm stance against illegal immigration have reclaimed Assam’s land, culture, and pride. Rarely has a Chief Minister transformed challenges into decisive steps for a state’s future as he has.
In Assam’s turbulent history of land and identity struggles, rarely has a leader shown the conviction and courage that Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma demonstrates today. His far-sighted vision and decisive governance have brought long-awaited relief to the people of Assam, particularly in addressing the critical issues of illegal land encroachment and unchecked migration from Bangladesh. For decades, these twin challenges have eroded the cultural, ecological, and demographic fabric of Assam, while successive governments have often chosen to look the other way. Dr. Sarma, however, has refused to compromise, leading a movement that seeks to reclaim both the land and the dignity of the state.
The eviction drives carried out under his leadership are without precedent in Assam’s modern history. Since 2021, more than 1.19 lakh bighas of encroached government land—equivalent to around 160 square kilometres—have been reclaimed from illegal settlers. These areas include forests, grazing reserves, satra properties, wetlands, and tribal belt lands that are vital to both ecological stability and cultural heritage. One of the most notable operations was the Gorukhuti eviction in 2021, which freed nearly 25,000 acres of land. Rather than leaving the reclaimed land idle, the government transformed it into a thriving agricultural project, ensuring that the land once illegally occupied is now contributing to food production and employment. Similar operations across districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, Darrang, and Sonitpur have reinforced the state’s resolve that public land cannot be treated as private property by those with no legal rights over it.
Equally remarkable is Dr. Sarma’s relentless focus on stopping illegal migration from Bangladesh. For decades, Assam has suffered from the demographic pressures caused by cross-border infiltration, a silent invasion that has changed population patterns and created significant socio-political tensions. Dr. Sarma has made it clear that his government’s mission is to completely halt illegal immigration, which he rightly identifies as a long-term threat to Assam’s identity and India’s national security. By invoking the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Order of 1950 and tightening border surveillance, his administration has accelerated the identification and removal of illegal settlers while preventing fresh infiltration. His public warnings that the indigenous Assamese population risks becoming a minority in their own land if migration is left unchecked resonate deeply with the people and underscore the urgency of his actions.
The reclamation of land is not merely an administrative task but a cultural and ecological revival. Many of the encroached areas included sacred satras, which are the spiritual and cultural heart of Assamese Vaishnavism. Others were vital wetlands and forest reserves that protect the state from floods, sustain biodiversity, and support traditional livelihoods. By clearing illegal settlements and restoring these lands, the government is preserving both the spiritual heritage and the ecological lifeline of Assam. The eviction of illegal settlers from places like Hasila Beel wetland in Goalpara has not only revived the natural environment but also reinforced the importance of environmental conservation alongside law enforcement.
Dr. Sarma’s leadership is distinguished by its boldness and clarity. He has openly called illegal encroachment an organised attempt to alter Assam’s demography, a statement that has sparked debates but also reflects the concerns of millions of indigenous people. His government has not wavered even in the face of resistance and clashes, as seen during the Darrang eviction, because the larger goal of protecting Assam’s future outweighs short-term difficulties. While some human rights groups and opposition parties have criticised the eviction drives, arguing for rehabilitation and accusing the government of targeting specific communities, Dr. Sarma has maintained that the actions are legal, impartial, and aimed only at those who have no rightful claim to the land.
On the national level, the significance of Dr. Sarma’s efforts cannot be overstated. Assam is not just a state of cultural importance but also a strategic gateway to the North East and the Indo-Bangladesh border region. Illegal migration from Bangladesh poses a risk to India’s border security and demographic balance. By tackling this issue head-on, Dr. Sarma has set a precedent for governance that is both firm and forward-looking, prioritising national interests and indigenous rights over political expediency.
The road ahead is challenging, but Dr. Sarma has made it clear that his government’s commitment to land reclamation and the fight against illegal immigration is long-term. He has envisioned a twenty-year roadmap to free all encroached government land, restore ecological balance, and use the reclaimed areas for productive purposes such as agriculture, conservation, and public development. Projects like the Gorukhuti agricultural venture show how reclaimed land can be transformed into hubs of economic growth and community welfare. Alongside these initiatives, his administration continues to collaborate with central authorities to strengthen border security with modern fencing, technology-driven surveillance, and stricter enforcement measures.
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma stands today as one of Assam’s most far-sighted and successful leaders. His actions are not limited to eviction drives or administrative reforms—they are part of a larger mission to preserve Assam’s soul, protect its culture, and secure its future. The scale of land recovery under his leadership, combined with his determination to halt illegal immigration, has brought a renewed sense of confidence among the people. He has reminded the state and the country that firm leadership, when combined with a vision rooted in justice and identity, can achieve what decades of hesitation could not.
Assam remains grateful for a Chief Minister who has chosen action over silence and courage over compromise. His policies represent a historic turning point in the state’s journey, not only reclaiming its land but also restoring the pride and security of its people. For a state that has long yearned for a leader with both conviction and foresight, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has emerged as the answer.