Former Assam MLA Samarjit Haflongbar has appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take immediate action against alleged illegal encroachments in the tribal belt of Hojai district. Raising concerns over the protection of tribal land, Haflongbar urged the state government to launch an eviction drive to remove encroachers and preserve the rights of indigenous communities.
According to the former legislator, illegal occupation of land in protected tribal areas has become a matter of serious concern and requires urgent intervention from the state administration. He said the tribal belt was established to safeguard the land rights and cultural identity of indigenous communities, making strict enforcement of land protection laws essential.
The appeal comes amid the Assam government’s continued focus on removing alleged illegal encroachments from government and protected lands across different parts of the state.
Haflongbar Seeks Immediate Government Action
Addressing the issue, Samarjit Haflongbar called upon Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to initiate a comprehensive eviction drive in the tribal belt areas of Hojai.
He said the government should identify alleged illegal encroachments and take action in accordance with the law to restore protected land to its original status.
According to Haflongbar, delays in addressing the issue could increase pressure on tribal land and undermine the purpose for which these protected belts were created.
He urged the administration to act promptly while ensuring that legal procedures are followed throughout the process.
Concern Over Protection of Tribal Land
The former MLA emphasised that tribal belts and blocks were established to protect the land rights of indigenous communities and prevent unauthorised transfer or occupation.
He said preserving these protected areas remains essential for safeguarding the social, cultural, and economic interests of tribal populations.
Haflongbar argued that strict implementation of land protection laws would help maintain the integrity of tribal belts and prevent further encroachments.
He also stressed the importance of protecting the traditional rights of indigenous communities over their ancestral lands.
Hojai Tribal Belt Under Spotlight
Hojai district has witnessed periodic discussions regarding land-related issues, including allegations of encroachment in protected areas.
According to Haflongbar, authorities should conduct detailed surveys to identify land that has allegedly been occupied illegally.
He suggested that accurate land records and proper verification would enable the administration to distinguish between lawful occupants and alleged encroachers before initiating any action.
The former MLA said transparency during the process would help ensure fairness and maintain public confidence.
Appeal to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Haflongbar expressed confidence that the Assam government would take the matter seriously and implement appropriate measures.
He said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly stated that the government is committed to protecting government land and reserved areas from illegal occupation.
The former legislator urged the Chief Minister to extend similar action to the tribal belt in Hojai to ensure that protected land remains safeguarded.
He added that preserving tribal land should remain a priority for the state administration.
Government’s Anti-Encroachment Campaign
The Assam government has conducted several eviction drives in recent years to remove alleged illegal encroachments from government land, forest areas, wetlands, and other protected locations.
Officials have maintained that these operations are carried out in accordance with legal provisions and after following the required administrative procedures.
The government has stated that protecting public land and ecologically sensitive areas remains an important part of its governance agenda.
Haflongbar’s appeal aligns with the broader discussion surrounding land protection and enforcement across the state.
Importance of Tribal Belts and Blocks
Tribal belts and blocks were created to safeguard the land rights of recognised tribal communities and prevent unauthorised occupation or transfer of protected land.
These areas play an important role in preserving indigenous communities’ traditional livelihoods, cultural heritage, and social identity.
Experts have often emphasised that effective implementation of land protection laws is essential for maintaining the purpose of these protected zones.
Haflongbar said stronger enforcement would help preserve these objectives for future generations.
Call for Transparent Verification
While demanding action against alleged encroachments, the former MLA also stressed the need for a transparent verification process.
He said authorities should carefully examine land ownership records, conduct field surveys, and verify all claims before initiating eviction proceedings.
According to him, following proper legal procedures would ensure that action targets only unlawful occupation while protecting the rights of legitimate landholders.
He added that transparency would strengthen public confidence in the administration’s decisions.
Balancing Development and Land Protection
Haflongbar noted that Assam’s development should proceed alongside the protection of indigenous communities and their traditional land rights.
He argued that safeguarding tribal belts does not conflict with development but instead ensures balanced and sustainable growth.
Protecting legally designated tribal areas, he said, contributes to social stability while preserving the cultural heritage of indigenous populations.
He urged policymakers to continue prioritising both infrastructure development and the protection of constitutional safeguards.
Government Expected to Review Appeal
The former MLA’s appeal is expected to draw attention from the state administration as discussions on land protection continue across Assam.
Officials have not yet issued a formal response to Haflongbar’s request, but the issue is likely to be examined in light of the government’s ongoing anti-encroachment initiatives.
Political observers believe the matter could generate further discussion regarding the implementation of land laws in protected tribal areas.
The administration may also review available land records and local reports before deciding on future action.
Focus Remains on Protecting Tribal Land
Samarjit Haflongbar’s appeal to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again brought the issue of alleged illegal encroachments in Hojai’s tribal belt into the public spotlight.
By calling for lawful eviction of alleged encroachers and stronger enforcement of land protection measures, the former MLA has highlighted the importance of safeguarding tribal land and preserving the rights of indigenous communities. As the Assam government continues its broader anti-encroachment campaign, attention will remain on how the administration addresses concerns related to protected tribal areas while ensuring that all actions follow due legal process.