Guwahati, Oct 12: A massive public gathering organised by the Land Rights Joint Struggle Committee was held at Chachal, Guwahati, on Sunday, demanding land rights for the landless and protesting evictions and land acquisitions allegedly carried out in favour of large corporate interests.
The rally witnessed the participation of thousands of displaced residents and activists from across Assam, including Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Rabha Hasong, and several tribal belts and blocks. The protestors called for an end to the “pro-corporate land policies” of the government and for immediate action to protect indigenous and rural communities.
“Land belongs to the people not corporations. The government must stop eviction drives and grant rightful ownership to the landless,” said Subrata Talukdar, one of the key speakers at the event.
Voices from the Ground
The event saw strong participation from activists and intellectuals across Assam.
Among those addressing the gathering were:
- Subrata Talukdar
- Santanu Borthakur
- Gobinda Rabha
- Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan
- Assam Jatiya Parishad President Lurin Jyoti Gogoi
- Veteran intellectual Hiren Gohain
Speakers collectively called for a unified state-wide movement to defend land rights, especially for tribal and economically vulnerable families facing eviction without rehabilitation.
“The Forest Rights Act, 2006, must be implemented in letter and spirit. Landless citizens must be given ownership and protection from corporate exploitation,” said Lurin Jyoti Gogoi.
Key Demands Raised
- Implementation of the Forest Rights Act (2006).
- Halt to all forcible land acquisitions.
- Protection of tribal belts and blocks from commercial encroachment.
- Fair compensation and rehabilitation for displaced families.
- Land redistribution through updated surveys.
- Cancellation of corporate projects threatens local habitats.
Call for Unity
The event concluded with a collective resolution to intensify the land rights movement and mobilize across Assam. Organisers stressed that the issue transcends political lines, calling it a fight for justice, dignity, and survival.
“Our struggle is not just for land — it’s for our identity and our right to exist with honour,” said one protestor from Dima Hasao.
Event: Land Rights Joint Struggle Committee Gathering
Date: October 12, 2025
Venue: Chachal, Guwahati
Participation: 5,000+ displaced citizens and activists
The gathering marks one of the largest public demonstrations in Assam this year over land and displacement concerns, signalling renewed momentum in the state’s grassroots land rights movement.
