Assam to Implement New Land Transfer Policy to Curb ‘Land Jihad’

Guwahati, August 05, 2024: In a significant policy shift, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today announced stringent measures regarding inter-religion land transfers. This announcement was made during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Executive meeting at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.

The new legislation aims to prevent what has been termed as ‘Land Jihad,’ imposing strict restrictions on land sales between Hindu and Muslim communities. The law mandates that any transaction involving land transfer between these communities will require the Chief Minister’s direct approval. This measure seeks to regulate and control such transactions to ensure they are in line with the state’s policies.

“Earlier, inter-religion land transfers happened freely. Hindus used to buy land from Muslims, and Muslims used to buy land from Hindus. We cannot stop the buying or selling of lands. However, the Assam government has now decided that for a Hindu’s land to be bought by a Muslim, and vice versa, the Chief Minister’s approval will be required. Without the Chief Minister’s approval, no land buying or selling between Hindus and Muslims will take place,” stated Chief Minister Sarma.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced measures to protect land owned by tribal and other backward communities, ensuring their properties are safeguarded against undue influences and pressures. The new policy also includes provisions to penalize instances of ‘Love Jihad,’ reinforcing the state’s stance on protecting cultural and religious integrity.

In a move to prioritize local employment, the government declared that only individuals born in Assam would be eligible for Assam government jobs. This policy aims to provide more opportunities for the local population and curb unemployment among native Assamese citizens.

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