If Lachit Borphukan was not communal, How can I be! Says Assam CM

Addressing the media in Lakhimpur on Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma invoked the legacy of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and Assam’s martyrs to defend his government’s actions and reject allegations of communal politics.

Sarma said protecting Assam’s identity was rooted in the sacrifices made by historical figures like Lachit Borphukan and could not be labelled communal. “Lachit took up the sword to free Assam from invaders. Walking on the path shown by Lachit and our martyrs cannot be communal,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that the idea of Assamese identity includes people of all religions. “Assamese means everyone—Hindus and Muslims alike. We are talking about protecting Assamese identity,” he said, accusing the opposition of misrepresenting the issue.

Referring to the ongoing eviction drives, Sarma said the government was acting to safeguard Assam’s land in line with the vision of its historical heroes. “No one will be allowed to live in peace by illegally occupying Assam’s land,” he said, adding that over two lakh bighas had already been cleared of encroachments.

He said eviction operations were continuing in Hailakandi and that, even as he was addressing the media, bulldozers were operating on nearly 2,500 bighas of land. “Similar action will be taken in Upper Assam as well,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also accused the Congress of divisive politics, alleging that the party no longer represents the wider Assamese society. He further claimed that efforts to bring illegal immigrants from Bangladesh into Assam were both “communal and anti-national.”

“Our work is constructive and inspired by the sacrifices of Assam’s martyrs,” Sarma said, reiterating that his government’s actions were aimed at protecting the state’s identity and interests.

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