Mon Jul 28 20:10:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The article discusses the ongoing tensions in Assam, India, stemming from long-standing divisions between indigenous populations and Muslims with roots in Bangladesh, often pejoratively called “Miyas.” This tension has manifested in fears of demographic shifts, fueled by historical events like the Assam Agitation and the Assam Accord. The ruling BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been actively carrying out eviction drives targeting what they describe as “encroachers” on government and forest land, disproportionately affecting Muslim communities. Critics argue these actions are politically motivated, aiming to consolidate Hindu votes through polarization and to free up land for corporate interests.
**News Article:**
**Assam Eviction Drives Spark Controversy, Fueling Fears of Polarization**
**Guwahati, India – July 29, 2025** – Ongoing eviction drives in Assam, targeting alleged encroachers on government and forest land, have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the marginalization of Muslim communities with roots in Bangladesh, often referred to locally as “Miyas.”
The issue is rooted in historical tensions stemming from the Assam Agitation (1979-85) and the subsequent Assam Accord, which aimed to identify and deport undocumented immigrants. This fear of being overrun by Bangladeshi people has been a long-standing issue.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP-led government has intensified eviction efforts, claiming to have cleared 1.29 lakh bighas of land from squatters, with a substantial amount of land is still under “encroachment” he claims is a jihad. Sarma has warned of a potential demographic shift that could make the Assamese people a minority by 2041.
Critics allege that these eviction drives are politically motivated, designed to consolidate Hindu votes in the lead-up to state elections next year. “Evicting minorities paves the way for the politics of polarisation so that the Hindu voters back the BJP, especially in Ujoni, where the party is facing challenges” said MLA Akhil Gogoi. There are also claims that the government’s actions are aimed at clearing land for corporate interests, including the Adani Group.
The eviction drives have been met with resistance and have resulted in casualties, further fueling tensions and raising questions about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens. The issue is expected to remain a contentious topic in Assam politics as the state prepares for upcoming elections.
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