Free encroached xatra lands, engage local youths in farming: ASM to CM Himanta

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Asom Sattra Mahasabha (ASM) has appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to devise a plan to make xatras of the state free from encroachers and engage unemployed indigenous youths in agriculture activities on xatra lands with a cooperative model.

The ASM feels that it will lead to agricultural development, employment generation and proper use of xatra lands, besides preventing re-encroachment of xatra lands.

ASM general secretary Kusum Kumar Mahata told The Sentinel exclu-sively, "According to information we have, the state has 1242 xatras, and 7000 bighas of xatra lands are under the occupation of encroachers, including people of suspected nationalities.

"The last BJP-led coalition government at Dispur made three xatras – Bordowa Than in the Nagaon District, Patekibori Xatra in the Morigaon District and Dakshinpat Xatra in the Kamrup (M) District – free from encroachers. However, vast areas of lands of the remaining xatras are under the occupation of encroachers. "We welcome the Dholpur eviction drive carried out by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government. We request the Chief Minister to make the lands of xatras free from encroachers in phases. The Assamese culture will survive testing times if the xatra culture thrives.

"Xatra managements and local youths should team up with support from the government and make a viable cooperative model for agriculture on xatra lands. The government should encourage the local youths to undertake agriculture activities on xatra lands. This model will boost agriculture, generate job avenues, ensure proper economic use of xatra lands and protect xatra lands from further encroachment."

The ASM is the apex body of xatras.

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