Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stirred fresh controversy with his remarks vowing to continue what he called a “fight against Miya-Muslims” for as long as he remains in office. Speaking to reporters in Morigaon, the Chief Minister said eviction drives against what he termed “illegal Bangladeshi-origin Muslims” would continue across the state.
Sarma declared that there would be “no compromise in any condition,” asserting that the “battle” against Miya Muslims must persist for decades to “secure the Assamese people.” He claimed that by the next census, Miya Muslims would form 38 percent of Assam’s population, describing the demographic shift as a “hard reality.”
The Chief Minister’s comments have raised concerns about deepening communal polarization in the state. Critics say his repeated use of the term “Miya-Muslims” to target a specific community adds a religious and ethnic dimension to administrative issues such as land encroachment.
The Assam government has conducted several eviction drives against Muslim families living on government and forest lands. On October 30, 29 families were removed from 44 bighas of land. Sarma linked the ongoing evictions with his government’s broader campaign to “safeguard indigenous people,” emphasizing that pressure on Miya Muslims must continue.
Sarma’s statements come amid growing apprehension among Assam’s Muslim population, who view such rhetoric as an attempt to marginalize and stigmatize them under the guise of governance and security.
