Guwahati, Aug 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday warned that illegal infiltration has emerged as a major threat to the state’s indigenous communities, calling for unity to safeguard their land and identity.
Addressing the 79th Independence Day gathering, Sarma said, “We are in a battle to preserve the identity of our indigenous people. We are evicting encroachers and illegal infiltrators. Today, the Assamese community has pledged to protect its land and heritage.”
He urged residents not to sell land to “unknown people or infiltrators,” adding, “In the last 78 years, we have compromised far too much. If we stay silent now, we will lose our community, our land, and our identity within the next decade.”
Calling the present situation “the biggest challenge for Assam,” Sarma warned of demographic changes, saying, “Even Assamese nationalists have surrendered to infiltrators. If we don’t act, one day even the Kamakhya temple hills will be encroached.”
Reaffirming his stance, he said, “As a proud Assamese, I am not ready to compromise. We must unite and fight for the next generation, so they inherit a state where the indigenous identity remains alive.”
The Chief Minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accelerating Assam’s development, citing major projects under his leadership. He announced that the Noonmati–Dighalipukhuri flyover will be named after Maharaj Prithu and noted that Mission Basundhara has granted land rights to over two lakh people.
Maharaj Prithu, also known as Raja Prithu, was a celebrated ruler of ancient Kamarupa (present-day Assam) who is revered for his decisive victory against the invading forces of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1206. His reign is remembered for safeguarding Assam’s sovereignty and preserving its cultural heritage from Islamic invasions.
Notably, his victory is credited with preserving Assam’s cultural identity and protecting knowledge centres such as Nalanda University from further devastation.
His life ended in 1228 when he was defeated by Nasiruddin. Rather than surrender, he chose to end his life in a water tank, a final act of loyalty to his land. Today, his victory over Bakhtiyar Khilji is celebrated as Mahavijay Diwas.
The Chief Minister also spoke of other efforts to keep Assam’s heroes alive in public memory. In 2022, the state celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Mahabir Lachit Borphukan with a grand programme in New Delhi, introducing his valour to the nation.
“From Charaideo’s UNESCO recognition to Assamese and Bangla’s classical language status, Assam’s rich heritage has gained global recognition,” he said.
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