Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Assam Clears 1,700 Acres of Forest Land
The government of Assam, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has cleared over 1,700 acres of forest land from people who were living there illegally.
This is part of a bigger effort that started in 2021 to take back land that was being used without permission.
The chief minister said that this action was taken peacefully and legally, and that no illegal use of land will be allowed.
Most of the people affected by these actions are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community.
The government has reclaimed a total of about 47,850 acres of land so far.
The chief minister has warned that these eviction drives will continue.
Over 1,700 acres of reserve forest land in Assam's Hojai district cleared of encroachments.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the completion of the eviction drive, reclaiming 5,250 bighas of land.
The government has cleared a total of 1,45,000 bighas (47,850 acres) of land since 2021, primarily affecting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
Sarma asserted that eviction drives will continue and illegal encroachments will not be tolerated.
The term 'illegal Miyas' was used by Sarma, referring to Bengali-speaking Muslims, a term that has been reclaimed by activists from the community.
- Who
- Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
- What
- Cleared 1,732.5 acres of reserve forest land from encroachments
- When
- Eviction drive completed recently, announcement on January 4
- Where
- Hojai district, Assam
- Why
- To reclaim encroached forest land and assert no tolerance for illegal encroachments
- Location
- Hojai district, Assam
- Area Cleared
- 1,732.5 acres (5,250 bighas)
- Announced By
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Total Land Cleared Since 2021
- 1,45,000 bighas (47,850 acres)
- Targeted Community
- Bengali-speaking Muslim population
- Term Used
- Illegal Miyas (pejorative for Bengali-speaking Muslims)