Guwahati, Feb 20 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that the state has successfully reclaimed over 1.5 lakh bighas of land from unlawful encroachments and aims to eliminate five lakh bighas of encroached land in its upcoming term.

During a public assembly at Natanpur in the Cachar district under the Vibrant Village Programme, Sarma emphasized that the protection of land and the rights of indigenous populations are pivotal to the BJP-led government’s agenda.

The event also saw the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was visiting Assam for a two-day official engagement.

“Our administration has liberated over 1.5 lakh bighas from encroachers. For the next term, we are committed to freeing five lakh bighas of land,” Sarma stated, affirming the government's dedication to safeguarding Assam’s land resources and its demographic integrity.

The Chief Minister highlighted that illegal encroachments have jeopardized Assam’s demographic equilibrium, land ownership structures, and economic stability for decades, but the current government is taking robust actions to combat this through lawful eviction initiatives.

He noted that these eviction operations are conducted strictly in line with legal regulations, aiming to return land to its rightful owners and facilitate public and developmental use.

In discussing the Vibrant Village Programme, Sarma noted that the initiative is designed to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihood opportunities in border and remote villages, promoting inclusive development and bolstering national security.

He stressed that border villages should be seen as the “first villages of India” rather than the last, asserting that their development is crucial to prevent migration, elevate living standards, and ensure stability in sensitive border areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the crowd, remarked that the Vibrant Village Programme embodies Prime Minister Modi’s vision of empowering border communities and fully incorporating them into the nation’s development framework.

He commended the Assam government for its effective implementation of welfare initiatives, reinforcing governance, and maintaining law and order throughout the state.

The programme saw participation from local residents, elected officials, and government representatives, all of whom highlighted ongoing developmental efforts and expressed optimism for continued progress under the BJP-led government.