Amid growing unrest in parts of Upper Assam over alleged land encroachment by Bengali-speaking Muslims, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made a strong appeal to the people of Assam to stand up for their land and culture—but only within the bounds of law.
While acknowledging the widespread anger among the indigenous Assamese communities, he warned that any threat to their identity would be met with serious consequences. Speaking on the sidelines of a public event in Guwahati on Wednesday, Sarma said the public has every right to resist what he called “illegal encroachment,” but urged that such resistance must remain lawful and peaceful.
“People will naturally protest if someone tries to destroy our culture and beliefs. We must firmly stand against such attempts,” he stated, striking a balance between defending indigenous rights and maintaining law and order.