Guwahati: A fresh debate over language, identity and belonging has emerged in Assam after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised appeals urging Muslims of Bengali origin to declare Assamese as their mother tongue in the ongoing Census process.
The controversy began after three literary organisations representing char and chapori communities called on members of the Bengali-origin Muslim community to continue identifying Assamese as their mother tongue. The groups stated that their ancestors had adopted Assamese identity decades ago and had contributed to the growth of Assamese-medium education and culture.
Responding to the appeal, Sarma described the move as a “fraud” and questioned the value of declaring Assamese as a mother tongue if it is not spoken at home. He argued that the Assamese language would survive even if only a fraction of the population identified it as their primary language.
His remarks drew criticism from writers, scholars and civil society figures. Many argued that Bengali-origin Muslims have played an important role in increasing the number of Assamese speakers since the mid-20th century. They warned that a decline in Assamese speakers in official records could weaken the language’s position in the state.
Representatives of the literary bodies rejected the chief minister’s argument. They said Assamese identity extends beyond language spoken inside homes and includes communities that have embraced Assamese culture and public life.
The debate has also revived wider discussions about who qualifies as Assamese in a state known for its linguistic and ethnic diversity. Critics of the chief minister’s remarks argued that several communities in Assam speak different languages at home while continuing to identify as Assamese.
Members of the Bengali-origin Muslim community expressed concern over the growing politicisation of language and identity. Some said the discussion reflects deeper anxieties over citizenship, representation and acceptance within Assamese society.
As the Census process continues, the dispute has placed renewed attention on the relationship between language, community identity and political discourse in Assam.
Story by Rokibuz Zaman for Scroll.in
