Guwahati: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Assam has called on the state government to ensure proper rehabilitation of all families affected by ongoing eviction drives before proceeding with any further action.
The party maintained that while evicting illegal encroachers falls within the government’s purview, the process must be conducted with fairness, transparency, and compassion.
In a statement issued by its state president (in charge) Dr. Bhaben Choudhury, AAP Assam expressed strong concern over recent remarks by government ministers, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who allegedly referred to the evicted persons as “Bangladeshi nationals.”
The party questioned whether any concrete steps had been taken to verify these claims, and if so, what repatriation measures had been initiated.
It called for public disclosure of the government’s actions regarding those it claims are foreigners.
The party warned against using such labels to stoke communal divisions and demanded that the government refrain from communalising the issue of land evictions.
AAP Assam also raised alarm over the future use of evicted land, expressing fears that such land could be handed over to powerful industrial groups such as the Adani and Ambani conglomerates or individuals close to political leaders.
The party urged the government to publicly guarantee that cleared lands will not be transferred to private or corporate interests for commercial gain.
Clarifying its stand, the party said it is not against lawful evictions per se but strongly opposes them when carried out on fertile agricultural lands, ecologically sensitive areas, or territories protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
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AAP warned against prioritising industrial projects over the rights and dignity of local communities, particularly in areas densely populated by marginalised groups.
Stressing the importance of inclusive development, the party said progress must not come at the cost of human rights and livelihoods.
“We demand development, but it must be humane, just, and in service of the people — not at their expense,” the statement said.
