Assam grazing land eviction has returned to focus after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government will approach the Gauhati High Court seeking an early ruling on its previous stay order. The move follows recent violence in West Karbi Anglong, where tensions over land use escalated into clashes, leaving two people dead and at least 70 injured, most of them police personnel.
Speaking on Friday, Sarma said the prolonged legal uncertainty over eviction from grazing lands has contributed to repeated conflicts. Therefore, the government now wants judicial clarity to prevent further unrest and ensure lawful action.
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Assam Grazing Land Eviction and Legal Background
The Assam grazing land eviction issue relates to land earmarked for grazing purposes in West Karbi Anglong and Karbi Anglong districts. Earlier, the state government had initiated eviction drives to clear alleged encroachments from these lands. However, subsequent legal proceedings led to a stay order by the Gauhati High Court.
As a result, eviction activities remained suspended, even as disputes over land occupation continued to simmer. According to officials, the absence of a final judicial decision has created confusion on the ground. Consequently, enforcement agencies have faced challenges in maintaining order while adhering to legal constraints.
The chief minister stated that the government respects judicial processes. Nevertheless, he stressed that delays in resolving the matter have had serious law-and-order implications.
Violence in West Karbi Anglong Triggers Urgency
The decision to seek an early ruling gained urgency after violence broke out earlier this week in parts of West Karbi Anglong. Clashes reportedly occurred between indigenous Karbi residents and members of the Bihari community. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to around 70 people.
Notably, most of the injured were police personnel deployed to control the situation. According to officials, security forces faced stone-pelting and resistance while attempting to restore calm. Eventually, additional forces had to be mobilised to stabilise the area.
In this context, Sarma said unresolved land disputes often become flashpoints for communal and social tensions. Therefore, he argued that a clear legal verdict is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Statement
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government would formally request the Gauhati High Court to lift or clarify the stay on eviction in grazing lands. According to him, the government intends to act strictly within the framework of law.
He emphasised that Assam grazing land eviction drives are not aimed at targeting any specific community. Instead, the objective is to protect designated grazing areas and uphold land records. Moreover, he added that law enforcement agencies would continue to act impartially.
Sarma also warned that violence and loss of life cannot be justified under any circumstances. Consequently, those responsible for the clashes would face strict legal action.
Maintaining Law and Order in Sensitive Regions
Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong are considered sensitive regions due to their diverse population and history of land-related disputes. Therefore, maintaining peace remains a priority for the administration.
Officials said security arrangements have been strengthened in affected areas. Meanwhile, peace meetings are being held with community leaders to ease tensions. Additionally, district authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the situation.
The chief minister noted that without legal clarity, administrative measures alone cannot resolve deep-rooted land issues. Hence, approaching the High Court is seen as a necessary step.
Balancing Indigenous Rights and Legal प्रक्रिया
The Assam grazing land eviction issue also raises questions about protecting indigenous land rights while ensuring lawful land use. Sarma acknowledged the concerns of indigenous Karbi residents, stating that their rights must be safeguarded.
At the same time, he reiterated that any eviction or enforcement must follow due process. Therefore, a judicial ruling would help balance competing claims and reduce the scope for misinformation.
Legal experts suggest that a definitive order from the Gauhati High Court could guide future administrative action and reduce ambiguity.
Road Ahead After HC Intervention
Looking ahead, the state government hopes that an early ruling will bring clarity and stability. Once the court issues directions, authorities plan to implement them in a transparent and humane manner.
Meanwhile, investigations into the recent violence are ongoing. Officials confirmed that cases have been registered and evidence is being collected. Consequently, accountability is expected to follow.
Ultimately, the Assam grazing land eviction issue highlights the intersection of law, land, and social harmony. By seeking judicial resolution, the government aims to prevent further violence while ensuring that land governance remains lawful and equitable.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on restoring peace, delivering justice to victims, and preventing similar incidents through timely legal intervention.
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