The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has strongly criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of pushing the Assamese community into a crisis to secure his own political future. Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and general secretary Jagadish Bhuiyan alleged that Sarma has resorted to divisive and communal politics out of fear for his political career. They claimed that such tactics have resulted in a volatile situation across the state, causing harm to communal harmony and the interests of the indigenous population.
Broken Promises and Deceptive Tactics by the BJP Government
The regional party further asserted that none of the promises made by the BJP before coming to power in Assam have been fulfilled. According to AJP leaders, the Chief Minister has employed deceptive strategies to cover up the government’s failures, resulting in significant losses for the Assamese people. The party described the current political and social atmosphere as alarming, highlighting Sarma’s provocative and communal statements which they say violate the law and indirectly encourage violence. These accusations underline deep dissatisfaction with the government’s governance and handling of sensitive issues.
Confusion Over Illegal Migrant Detection and Deportation Process
The AJP also pointed to the confusion surrounding the detection and deportation of illegal migrants in Assam. They alleged that under government patronage, the actual process has been muddled, while pressing public issues have been neglected. Party leaders stressed that instead of following the Assam Accord provisions, the BJP government has derailed the entire process and is merely exploiting the issue of foreigners for political gains. Gogoi specifically highlighted that evicted families, supposedly illegal migrants, are being resettled within the state, creating further displacement problems. Meanwhile, declared foreigners are reportedly sent to the border only to be brought back, indicating a lack of proper enforcement.
Criticism of Central Government’s Citizenship Policies
AJP leaders also criticized the central government for not signing a repatriation treaty with Bangladesh when enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which grants citizenship to certain illegal migrants. They claimed the recent decision to withdraw pending cases of Hindu Bangladeshis from Foreigners’ Tribunals is part of “vote bank politics” aimed at securing electoral advantage. Referring to Sarma’s statement about there being over one crore illegal immigrants in Assam, the party questioned how such numbers could rise rapidly despite a decade of BJP rule that promised to protect “jati-mati-bheti” (ethnic and territorial integrity). The AJP accused the BJP government of creating conditions that may render the Assamese people a minority in their own land.
AJP’s Demands for Assam’s Security and Indigenous Rights
In conclusion, the Assam Jatiya Parishad demanded the full implementation of Clause 5 of the Assam Accord and the signing of an exile treaty with Bangladesh. They stressed the importance of securing state borders, checking cross-border cattle smuggling, completing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process, and enforcing Clause 6 along with the recommendations of the Justice (retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma Committee on the Permit System. Furthermore, they urged the government to grant tribal status to six communities soon, a move they believe is essential to protecting Assam’s indigenous identity and ensuring long-term peace and development in the region.
