Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has dismissed the reported demand for a separate “Miyaland”, following the state’s latest eviction drive in Uriamghat that reclaimed more than 10,000 bighas of land.
With this operation, the total area cleared of encroachments across the state now stands at approximately 1,29,000 bighas, or 182 square kilometres, Sarma said, addressing mediapersons.
Speaking to mediapersons after the eviction in Uriamghat — a sensitive area within the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border — Sarma expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for extending full cooperation. He credited the peaceful execution of the drive to the neutrality maintained by the Nagaland Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
“The Nagaland Police and CRPF ensured complete neutrality in the DAB area. I thank CM Neiphiu Rio for his support. The coordinated effort was key to the success of this operation,” Sarma said.
Taking a dig at those reportedly advocating for a separate homeland for Bengali-origin Muslims — often labelled as Miyas — Sarma mocked the idea of “Miyaland” as absurd and unattainable.
“Their dream will definitely come true — but not in India. Perhaps in Bangladesh or Afghanistan. I will personally assist them in settling there. There’s plenty of land available in Bangladesh, and if not, Afghanistan is an option,” he said.
The term “Miyaland” has appeared sporadically in Assam’s political discourse.
The Miya Muslim community, largely comprising Bengali-speaking Muslims settled in Assam over generations, has frequently been at the centre of debates around illegal immigration, land rights, and identity in the state.
The eviction in Uriamghat is part of a broader campaign to remove what the government terms “illegal encroachments” on government, forest, and tribal lands.
Similar operations have taken place in districts such as Darrang, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta, and Lakhimpur.
Sarma defended the policy as essential to protecting Assam’s land and demographic balance.
“This is not about any community or religion. It is about illegal occupation. Our government will continue to take necessary steps to protect the rights of our people,” he asserted.