Dhemaji, Assam — July 26, 2025: In a striking show of public support, thousands of people marched through the streets of Dhemaji with blazing torches, backing Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s tough stance against illegal encroachment in Assam.
Sharing visuals of the massive rally on social media platform X, Assam Minister Ashok Singhal said, “Thousands in Dhemaji marched with blazing torches, backing Hon’ble CM @himantabiswa dangoriya’s crackdown on illegal encroachers. This is people’s uprising to resist demographic invasion.”
Thousands in Dhemaji marched with blazing torches, backing Hon'ble CM @himantabiswa dangoriya’s crackdown on illegal encroachers.
This is people's uprising to resist demographic invasion. pic.twitter.com/dNt4QsfgEd
— Ashok Singhal (@TheAshokSinghal) July 26, 2025
The torch procession reflected growing public sentiment in favor of recent government measures to reclaim government and forest land allegedly occupied through illegal means. Participants, including local residents and youth, marched peacefully yet assertively, raising slogans supporting the state government’s initiative to preserve Assam’s land, identity, and cultural integrity.
The demonstration comes amid a series of eviction drives conducted across several districts of Assam. The state government has maintained that such actions are essential to safeguard indigenous rights and secure public resources.
Political observers noted that such large-scale spontaneous public gatherings indicate strong grassroots support for the government’s efforts. Opposition leaders, however, have expressed concerns over the rhetoric surrounding “demographic invasion,” warning it may create social divisions.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reiterated that all government land must be freed from encroachment, regardless of political or religious identity, and has asked the administration to act within legal frameworks while ensuring rehabilitation of eligible families.
The Dhemaji rally signals a significant moment in Assam’s ongoing socio-political discourse, as citizen participation shapes the narrative around land rights and cultural preservation.
