The Assam government has approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to carefully examine land transfers between individuals of different religions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision, emphasizing the need to handle such transfers with caution in a sensitive state like Assam.

The SOP outlines a detailed verification process for inter-religious land transfers. According to the new procedure, land transaction proposals will be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), who will then forward them to the Revenue Department for review by a designated nodal officer. The Police Special Branch will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the transfer involves any fraudulent, coerced, or illegal activities. The investigation will also assess the source of funds, the social impact on the locality, and any national security concerns. The Special Branch will analyze if the transfer has any adverse effect on the local social fabric or poses a national security concern. Their report will be sent back to the DC, who will make the final decision on whether to approve or decline the transaction.

The SOP will not be applicable to land transactions between people of the same religion. However, for those from different religions, all factors will be strictly examined. The same SOP will also apply to NGOs from outside the state planning to buy land in Assam for establishing educational and healthcare institutions.

Chief Minister Sarma clarified that the SOP aims to regulate external NGOs amid concerns about land purchases in Assam. He stated that the government will scrutinize the source of funds to determine if it is reflected in tax returns. They will also assess if the sale affects the social fabric of the specific area, address any objections from local residents, and consider any national security aspects.

Land ownership and demographic change are politically sensitive issues in Assam, often linked to migration patterns and identity concerns. The Assam government has introduced this measure to ensure peace and prevent potential misuse of land in the state. According to Chief Minister Sarma, Assam's geographical location and complex demographic composition necessitate caution in dealing with land-related matters.