Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used his Independence Day address to highlight the perceived threats to the state's indigenous communities, with a particular focus on what he termed "love jihad" and "land jihad". Speaking at Khanapara in Guwahati, Sarma outlined his vision for Assam's future, emphasizing the need to protect the land, culture, and identity of its original inhabitants.

Sarma's remarks on "love jihad" echoed similar statements he has made in the past, framing it as a serious issue involving forced conversions and deceitful relationships. He has previously announced that his government is preparing a law mandating life imprisonment for convictions related to "love jihad," which he describes as forced conversions and deceitful relationships. Other states in India have also enacted similar anti-conversion laws.

In addition to "love jihad," Sarma also addressed the issue of "land jihad," accusing a section of society of attempting to threaten Assamese identity through illegal land acquisition. Seemingly referring to Bengali-speaking Muslims, he stated that the aggression of "unknown" people has altered the demographics of lower and central Assam, and that they are now targeting upper and north Assam. To combat this, Sarma declared a "war" on such aggression, promising to evict these "unknown" people from grazing lands, tribal belts, and government land. The Assam government has been carrying out extensive eviction drives in recent years, recovering thousands of acres from what it claims are illegal occupants. According to official figures, over 25,000 acres have been cleared since 2021, including grazing reserves, forest areas, and heritage lands.

Sarma also touched upon the economic progress of Assam, noting the state's rapid economic growth and highlighting various initiatives aimed at self-reliance and women's empowerment. He mentioned the upcoming energy projects and the boost in tourism, with Assam now ranking among India's most visited states. He also pledged to end child marriage in Assam by 2026.

Furthermore, Sarma emphasized the importance of protecting historically and culturally significant regions like Barpeta, Majuli, and Batadrava, ensuring that only people from those areas can purchase land there. To protect heritage sites, the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2024, bans land purchases by outsiders within a 5 km radius of satras, which are Vaishnavite monastic institutions.

Sarma urged the youth to see themselves as future leaders and guardians of Assam's heritage. He called upon the people of Assam to unite and struggle to protect their land, culture and identity.