The Pakistan-backed terrorist organization Indian Mujahideen (IM), a splinter group of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), recently released a seven-minute statement denouncing the Assam government’s ongoing eviction drives aimed at clearing illegally occupied lands. The group called on its supporters to resist the Indian state, framing the evictions as an attack on specific communities.

The Assam government has intensified efforts to reclaim encroached forestlands, wetlands, and government revenue properties, citing concerns over illegal immigration. These encroachments, often attributed to undocumented migrants, have strained Assam’s resources and ecosystems, with a 2024 Union Environment Ministry report noting that 3,620.9 square kilometers of forestland remain under illegal occupation. The eviction drives, part of the state’s commitment to protect indigenous land rights, have sparked controversy and drawn the attention of groups like IM.

Indian Mujahideen, composed primarily of lower-tier SIMI members, is known for its links to Pakistan-based terror outfits, notably Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is also believed to play a significant role in radicalizing Bangladesh-based groups, which exploit illegal immigrants as operatives. Among these, Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami Bangladesh has been instrumental in IM’s formation and operations, using cross-border networks to further their agenda.

Group’s rhetoric aligns with its history of exploiting regional tensions to incite violence. By framing the evictions as an attack on vulnerable communities, IM seeks to radicalize and mobilize followers, posing a security challenge for India. The Assam government, however, maintains that the drives are essential to restore legal land ownership and protect national security, given the broader context of illegal immigration and its impact on the state’s demographic and ecological balance.

The involvement of Pakistan-backed groups like IM and their ties to Bangladesh-based outfits highlight the complex interplay of terrorism and illegal migration in the region. The Assam evictions, while aimed at addressing local land disputes, have drawn international attention due to their security implications. Authorities remain vigilant, as such statements could escalate tensions and fuel unrest, particularly in a region already grappling with the challenges of porous borders and historical migration issues.

India continues to strengthen its counter-terrorism measures while addressing the root causes of illegal encroachments, balancing security imperatives with humanitarian considerations.