A fresh political flashpoint has emerged in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that eviction drives to clear alleged encroachments would continue across the state, adding that “illegal Miyas” would not “have peace” so long as he remained in office.
Speaking to reporters at Jamugurihat after an official event, Sarma said, “Evictions will continue. Even today, notices were served in Behali area (in Biswanath district). Illegal Miyas don't have peace till I am the CM.”
The term ‘Miya’, originally used pejoratively for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam and often associated with perceptions of Bangladeshi immigrants, has in recent years been reclaimed by activists from within the community. The remark, however, is likely to fuel renewed political and social debate over the government’s approach to land and identity issues.
“There will be no peace even if you pray at samadhi. Illegal Miyas have to be in tension till I am the CM. If I am not there, then it is a different thing,” Sarma said.
Also read: 'Miyas' unwilling to forget or forgive Assam CM Himanta's remark
The Chief Minister also announced that the government intends to introduce a new law against polygamy on 25 November during the Winter Session of the Assam Assembly. “If any person engages in polygamy, there will be seven years of rigorous imprisonment,” he said.
The Sarma-led administration has undertaken multiple eviction drives since assuming office in 2021, with most of the actions impacting Bengali-speaking Muslim families residing on land the government describes as encroached. Political analysts and social commentators have earlier suggested that the renewed focus on evictions is part of a broader narrative-building exercise ahead of next year’s assembly elections.
The latest round of notices served in Behali and the Chief Minister’s fresh remarks indicate that the exercise is set to intensify, keeping the issue firmly in the political foreground.
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