New Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has condemned what it described as “inflammatory and poisonous rhetoric” against Muslims attributed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Board has urged the Supreme Court of India to take suo motu cognisance of the issue, warning of serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
In a statement issued on Friday, AIMPLB spokesperson Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas said hate speech targeting Muslims is becoming normalized within mainstream political discourse. He alleged remarks once linked to fringe voices now emerge from holders of high constitutional office. The Board pointed to earlier comments by chief ministers in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, stating the reported remarks from Assam reflect a continuing pattern.
The controversy follows reports from a government function in Tinsukia where Sarma allegedly called for harassment of the “Miyan” community so they would leave Assam. He is also reported to have said causing hardship to the community was his responsibility. The Chief Minister reportedly urged citizens to submit Form No. 7 to remove an estimated four to five lakh Muslims from electoral rolls and supported their economic boycott.
Describing the remarks as “shocking and unacceptable,” Dr. Ilyas said it was deeply troubling for a constitutional authority sworn to uphold the Constitution to promote discrimination, harassment, and disenfranchisement of a specific community. He said such statements weaken equality before law, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
The Board warned of wider consequences for democratic institutions. It said failure by bodies such as the Election Commission to resist unlawful pressure would harm the credibility of free and fair elections.
Alongside judicial intervention, the AIMPLB appealed to the President of India to take appropriate constitutional action against the Assam Chief Minister. It also urged the Chief Justice of India to act promptly, warning that inaction would embolden further hate speech and heighten social tension.
The Board called on secular political parties, civil society groups, and citizens committed to justice to unite in defense of constitutional values. It also advised Muslims in Assam to remain calm and respond through constitutional and legal means.
