Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday claimed that the Miya Muslim population could constitute up to 38 percent of the state’s total population in the next census. This means that Miya Muslims could become the largest community in Assam. He made this comment while interacting with the media in Dibrugarh at the Chief Minister’s Mashila Udyamita Abhiyaan (MMUA) program.
Demographic Trends and Political Concerns
Sarma said that over the past five years, the government has taken several steps to protect the interests of the people and secure their future. Miya Muslims are Bengali-speaking and originally migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Their growing numbers in Assam have often been a subject of political and social debate, especially on issues of identity, land rights, and cultural preservation.
Proposed Steps in New Bills
The Chief Minister announced that two new bills will be introduced in the upcoming assembly session, aimed at protecting caste, land, and social foundations (jati, mati, bheti). Sarma said, “If the steps taken in the last five years had been taken 30 years ago, we would not be in this situation today. These bills will secure the rights and future of Assam’s tribal population.”
Political and Social Challenge
Sarma said that this is a long battle, one that must continue for the next ten years. He appealed to the public and leaders for support in all political and social activities. He said that this struggle is necessary to protect the interests of Assam’s indigenous population. The Chief Minister did not disclose the specific details of the bills, but stressed that these bills will play a vital role in protecting the rights and future of Assam’s tribal and indigenous population.
Population and Future Situation
According to the 2011 census, the Muslim population in Assam was 34.22 percent. However, at that time, no distinction was made between Miya Muslims and the local Muslim population. The upcoming census will provide new demographic information. Sarma’s comments have once again intensified the debate on identity, migration, and regional politics in Assam. According to experts, this issue could affect the political direction and social balance of the state in the coming years.
