New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday refused to retract his controversial remarks on “Miya Muslims”, asserting that his comments were aimed at illegal Muslim migrants from Bangladesh and were rooted in concerns flagged earlier by the Supreme Court.
A day after his remarks triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, Sarma said the term “Miyan” is commonly used in Assam in the context of illegal Bangladeshi Muslim migration and described the issue as a “grave and long-standing problem” faced by the state for decades.
In a post on X, the chief minister said those criticising his remarks should read the Supreme Court’s observations on illegal migration in Assam. “This is not my language, not my imagination, and not political exaggeration,” he said.
Citing a Supreme Court observation, Sarma quoted concerns about what the court described as a “silent and invidious demographic invasion” of Assam, warning that continued influx of illegal migrants could alter the demographic profile of lower Assam, pose risks to national security, and threaten the region’s geostrategic importance.
“Our effort is not against any religion or any Indian citizen,” Sarma said. “Our effort is to protect Assam’s identity, security and future, exactly as the Supreme Court cautioned the nation to do. Ignoring that warning would be the real injustice—to Assam and to India.”
The clarification came after Sarma’s remarks on Wednesday, in which he said he encouraged creating “trouble” for “Miyan Muslims” so that they are driven out of the state. The comments sparked widespread outrage across the election-bound northeastern state.
Opposition leaders strongly condemned the remarks, warning that such statements could harm social harmony. Congress leader Udit Raj said the chief minister’s comments could have serious consequences and even lead to “civil war”. He added that the Congress views all individuals as citizens, irrespective of religion.
CPI(M) MP Amraram also criticised the Assam government, accusing it of using administrative exercises to marginalise vulnerable communities. “Creating hatred against people on the basis of identity is a betrayal of the country, its Constitution and its unity,” he said.
