Guwahati, February 7: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his criticism of the Congress party on Friday, urging them to clarify their stance on whether they support the indigenous people of Assam or illegal immigrants. He explained that the term ‘Miya’ refers to the Muslim population that migrated from Bangladesh to Assam.
Speaking to reporters after attending an event in Dergaon, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the debate surrounding illegal immigration and identity in Assam can no longer be ignored. He warned that political ambiguity on this issue could lead to unrest. “Congress must clarify its position. They should explicitly state whether they stand with the Assamese society or with illegal immigrants,” he said.
Expressing concern over rapid demographic changes, Chief Minister Sarma claimed that illegal immigrants, who were previously concentrated in districts like Barpeta and Dhubri, have now spread to Upper Assam, including areas like Duliajan and Margherita.
He alleged that nearly one million acres of land have been encroached upon across the state, posing a serious threat to land rights and the future of local communities. The Chief Minister also raised alarms about encroachments in culturally sensitive areas, including Batadrava, describing it as a direct challenge to Assam’s heritage and social harmony.
“This is not just about Politics. It is about land, identity, and the existence of the Assamese people,” asserted CM Sarma. With the upcoming assembly elections approaching, he stated that Congress will be compelled to take a clear stance on this issue.
He accused senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi of being advised by social activist Harsh Mander and lawyer Aman Wadud, alleging that they are crafting narratives that undermine Assamese identity.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sarma claimed that a book written by Abdul Muhib Majumdar and allegedly edited by Aman Wadud propagates the idea that Assamese people arrived later in Assam, while migrants settled first—a claim he deemed historically misleading and politically dangerous.
He identified Wadud as the chairperson of the Congress social media cell in Assam. Reiterating his government’s position, CM Sarma stated that the BJP-led administration will continue to speak openly on this issue and will take stringent measures to protect Assam’s demographic balance.
“Our responsibility is to ensure peace, security, and justice for all, but without compromising the rights of local Assamese communities,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of addressing illegal immigration and land encroachment to safeguard Assam’s long-term stability and social harmony.
