Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Friday informed the state assembly that the government will establish a dedicated ‘counter-radicalisation cell’ to safeguard vulnerable youths from extremist influences and promote constitutional values, social cohesion, and national unity.
Focus on Identity, Land, and Homeland
In his customary address, Acharya emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting “jati, mati and bheti” (identity, land, and homeland). “My government remains committed to safeguarding the identity, land rights, security, and constitutional interests of the people of Assam, particularly the tribal, indigenous, and other protected communities. Building upon the decisive measures undertaken in recent years, the next five years will focus on further strengthening the legal and administrative framework for protection of indigenous rights and demographic security,” he stated.
Measures Against Encroachment and Smuggling
The governor said legislative and administrative measures would be strengthened to curb unlawful encroachment on indigenous land, organized cross-border cattle smuggling, and other activities detrimental to social harmony and public order. He also noted that effective steps would be taken to implement the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, to “expedite the detection and push-back of illegal immigrants.”
Border Fencing and Infiltration
Acharya welcomed the West Bengal government’s decision to hand over required land to the Centre for fencing along the Bangladesh border, stating that it would expedite sealing uncovered stretches along the international boundary. He pointed out that efforts to curb infiltration had been constrained for years due to porous and unfenced stretches, particularly in parts of Bengal.
