Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, October 12, claimed that Hindus in Assam now constitute only about 40 percent of the state’s total population, equal to the Muslim population. Speaking to reporters during an event, he highlighted the major change in the state’s demographic structure and described the Centre’s proposed Demography Mission as an “important step” towards addressing the issue. “Assam has been a major victim of demographic change. The Muslim population went above 38 percent in 2021, and currently it is around 39.5 percent,” he said.
Rise in Muslim population and affected districts
Sarma also pointed out that districts like Majuli, famous for its Vaishnavite culture and the world’s largest inhabited river island, have seen a 100 percent increase in the Muslim population. However, he clarified that this increase was not due to a natural increase in local Muslims, but rather due to “infiltrators.” He said that the Christian population is around 6–7 percent, and if people from other states and communities are removed, Assamese Hindus now constitute no more than 40 percent of the state’s total population. These figures are based on projections based on the 2011 census.
Demography Mission and Central Government Initiatives
Sarma said the Demography Mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day is the first concrete step toward addressing this issue. He quoted Union Home Minister Amit Shah as saying, “The growth in the Muslim population is not only due to internal growth, but also due to influx.” This mission will establish a high-level committee responsible for “detecting, removing, and deporting infiltrators.” He added that this is the first time the Indian government has spoken so clearly on this issue.
Concerns about the future and the ‘Miya-Muslim’ population
Chief Minister Sarma also claimed that Bengali-speaking Muslims, commonly referred to as “Miya Muslims,” are likely to emerge as the largest community in the next census, accounting for over 38 percent of the population. He said this projection is a matter of concern for the demographic balance in Assam. According to Sarma, the mission aims not only to monitor statistics but also to ensure the safety and identity of the Assamese Hindu population in the coming years.
