Guwahati, July 9 -- As tensions mount over large-scale eviction operations in western Assam, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today strongly defended the state government's actions, asserting that issuing eviction notices is "the most humane step" in reclaiming government land from alleged encroachers.
Speaking to the media after inaugurating the BJP's newly built district office at Kajalgaon in Chirang, part of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the Chief Minister said: "But if someone refuses to vacate after receiving notice, we'll be forced to use machines to clear the land."
He claimed that the eviction drive had broad public support, stating that "90% of people are in favour of the move," adding that the cleared land could...