Assam’s land rights crisis deepens as minister faces encroachment backlash

A storm of protests erupts in Assam as indigenous groups accuse a minister of seizing tribal land. Will justice prevail—or will political power silence the outrage?

, and Administrator

2025 November 8 . 1:12 AM

1 min read

There is some construction being done on the land and in front of that there is a caution board... — There is some construction being done on the land and in front of that there is a caution board attached to the gate in front of the land and in the background there are lot of houses and trees.

Assam’s land rights crisis deepens as minister faces encroachment backlash

Tensions rise in Assam over land rights and encroachment. Minister Ashok Singhal faces criticism and warnings from local groups and activists for allegedly occupying land near Zubeen Khetra.

Parash Jyoti Das, an activist, referred to Minister Singhal as 'not a minister' and demanded immediate evacuation of non-indigenous businessmen occupying land near Zubeen Khetra. Das highlighted the lack of proper land rights for indigenous Assamese people, while outsiders and traders have taken over land within the tribal belt.

The All Assam Scheduled Caste Students' Union (AASCSU) joined the criticism, condemning Minister Singhal for allegedly encroaching land in the same area. Das, who is also the Central Secretary of the organization, warned of public outrage if the land is not vacated soon. The group recently paid tribute to legendary singer Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika through cultural programmes at 1 No. Goraimari near Mahura, Numaligarh.

Minister Ashok Singhal is under fire for allegedly encroaching land near Zubeen Khetra. Groups like AASCSU and activists like Akhil Gogoi have called for his dismissal due to the controversy. Das has warned of consequences for those delaying justice for Zubeen Garg and politicizing the issue.