How is Assam CM Committed to Safeguarding Indigenous Cultural Identity?
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Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes the urgency of protecting indigenous community identities through eviction drives, warning that unchecked demographic changes could threaten their cultural heritage and political representation in the coming decades.
Key Takeaways
- CM Sarma's commitment to protecting indigenous cultural identities.
- Eviction drives linked to safeguarding land rights.
- Concerns raised about demographic changes affecting political representation.
- Call for unity among Assamese youth against compromises.
- Focus on job creation through industrialization.
Guwahati, Aug 15 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday pledged to amplify efforts aimed at preserving the cultural identity of the state's indigenous communities, which he associated with the ongoing eviction initiatives by his administration.
During the Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati, where he hoisted the national flag, Sarma mentioned that his government has successfully removed encroachments from 1.2 lakh bighas — equivalent to over 16,000 hectares — characterizing this operation as part of a wider campaign against what he referred to as “land jihad.”
While not directly naming any group, the Chief Minister hinted that demographic shifts in lower and central Assam were instigated by “unknown” individuals now targeting upper and north Assam.
“We have declared war on their aggression. We will evict them from every piece of grazing land, tribal belt, and government land,” he asserted.
Sarma emphasized that the recent delimitation of assembly constituencies aimed to protect Assam’s political framework for indigenous people “for many decades to come.”
He cautioned that if this trend continues unchecked, indigenous communities might lose their jati, mati, bheti — community, land, and homeland — within just a decade.
“If this situation persists, 80 percent of the state’s ministers could belong to them in 15 years, and in two decades, the Independence Day flag could be hoisted by an unknown chief minister,” Sarma warned.
The Chief Minister alleged that the identified group had already become dominant in the construction sector and was attempting to gain political sway after “almost capturing economic power.”
He urged young people and Assamese citizens to resist any compromises, framing the struggle as one for self-determination rather than armed confrontation.
“We will not be finished. We will fight for survival,” Sarma declared, taking a symbolic pledge under the national tricolor.
In the meantime, CM Sarma reiterated his government’s commitment to accelerating industrialization, asserting that this initiative aims to generate employment for the state’s youth rather than merely benefiting large corporate entities.
Point of View
The commitment shown by Assam's Chief Minister to safeguard the cultural identity of indigenous communities reflects a broader concern about demographic changes and their implications. It is crucial to balance development with the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that all voices are heard in the political landscape.
NationPress
29/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of CM Sarma's initiatives?
The primary goal is to protect the cultural identity of indigenous communities in Assam amidst ongoing eviction drives.
How much land has been cleared from encroachments?
The government has cleared encroachments from 1.2 lakh bighas, which is more than 16,000 hectares of land.
What warning did CM Sarma give regarding demographic changes?
He warned that if unchecked, indigenous communities could lose their cultural heritage and political representation within a decade.
What does 'jati, mati, bheti' mean?
'Jati, mati, bheti' translates to community, land, and homeland, which are fundamental to the identity of indigenous people.
What is Sarma's stance on industrialization?
CM Sarma is committed to rapid industrialization aimed at creating jobs for the youth of Assam, rather than just serving large corporate interests.
